News

New WaterFurnace VPs 'Position Us Well for the Future'

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:45:00 -0400

WaterFurnace International promoted Ryan Johnson to vice president of residential and Dean Grunseth to vice president of commercial.

New Data Center Guidance Based on 'Collective Expertise'

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

The new AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework provides practical, expert guidance for next-generation data center design and operation.

Wastewater Heat Fuels Interest in Thermal Energy Networks

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Wastewater heat recovery and thermal energy networks are starting to push HVAC work outside the building and into district-scale systems

The Emotional Roller Coaster That Is Selling An HVAC Company

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Matt Michel breaks down why business owners should prepare for more than just the financial side of selling a company.

Owens Corning Rolls Out New Duct Liner

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

QuietR Rotary Duct Liner Next Generation helps fabricators and installers meet stringent specifications for creating energy-efficient building environments, a press release from Owens Corning said.

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.

A Replacement Furnace Igniter With Wide Compatibility

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:15:00 -0400

The FC047KX is manufactured to meet the same material and performance specifications as the igniter it replaces.

April HVAC Shipments Show Cooling Rebound Among Soft Market

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.

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.

WHVACR Unveils New Logo During Regional Conference

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

WHVACR's refreshed logo reflects its commitment to celebrating each woman’s unique strengths while fostering the connections that create a powerful network of support, mentorship, and opportunity within the industry.

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.

Rheem Expands Commercial Packaged Heat Pump Lineup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:15:00 -0400

The new models are engineered to balance ease of installation, serviceability, and reliability to drive comfort and a strong return on investment, a Rheem press release said.

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.

The Commercial Niche: Where Heat Pumps Excelled in 1960

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

In 1960, a Phoenix factory used 140 tons of refrigeration to show how all-electric systems could make sense in the right commercial application.

Jetson Bringing Home Electrification Service to California

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:20:00 -0400

Jetson’ expansion into California follows the company’s recent launch in New York and builds on its presence in Colorado; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Massachusetts.

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.

Leadership Expert to Speak at Annual PHCC Conference

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Dr. Rick Goodman has spent more than 30 years helping organizations strengthen workplace culture, improve communication, and inspire teams to achieve greater success.

Leak Rules Tighten as Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Federal leak rules now reach smaller systems, while state requirements add complexity — allowing contractors to turn refrigerant management into a revenue-generating service offering.

95% Furnace Efficiency Rule to Get New Hearing

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

HVACR industry groups are pleased with a new Supreme Court decision that requires a lower court to reconsider its decision to uphold mandates that require certain furnaces and water heaters to be at least 95% efficient.

A BAS Designed for Small and Medium-Sized Buildings

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

SkyQ offers advanced, system-wide HVAC control without the complexities and costs of traditional building automation systems.

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

HVAC Workforce Crisis Expands Beyond Technicians to Instructor Shortages

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A lack of qualified instructors is hindering the HVACR industry’s ability to fill the 40,000 job openings projected annually over the next decade.

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.

Baltimore Aircoil Opens Factory in Mexico

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:50:00 -0400

The new facility, near Monterrey, strengthens BAC’s regional manufacturing footprint and expands support for customers in Latin America.

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.

Missed Calls, Lost Jobs: Why HVAC Companies Are Adopting Voice AI Agents

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

Here’s how to get started with Voice AI, helping your business capture work that could otherwise go to competitors

Watsco Completes Acquisition of Jackson Supply Co.

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Watsco Inc.'s acquisition of Jackon Supply Co. adds 25 locations across seven states to its HVAC distribution lineup.

Heat Pump Hype to Hands-On Reality: The HVAC Skills Gap Contractors Can’t Ignore

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As heat pumps and other advanced systems become more common, the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical will depend largely on workforce readiness.