International phenomenon Keith Kong predicts things before they’ve happened, plucking thoughts straight out of your mind during this interactive journey into the unexplainable! More than a Mentalist, Keith’s extraordinary expertise in Psychology and Criminal Profiling have amazed audiences the world over. An award winning artist, Keith stood out among the best in the business when he fooled magic’s most famous duo on their hit TV show, Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
MARCH 16 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM MARCH 17
Ryan Berman Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur
Fear Fighter. Problem Slayer. Purveyor of Courage. Ryan Berman has more than 25+ years in the courageous ideas space and an intimate understanding of the intricacies of emotional story telling for the purposes of driving courageous change. Ryan, a practitioner and authority on unlocking courage in teams, ideas and culture, has had his methods featured in Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc and Forbes.
ON THE COVER: Smart HVACR systems are transforming how technicians diagnose and troubleshoot, but AI alone isn’t the answer.
12 Smart HVACR Systems and the Evolving Role and Training of the Technician
As HVACR systems become more connected and intelligent, technicians must balance mechanical expertise with digital fluency.
14 Tech for Technicians: Tools to Get Your Employees on Top of Their Game
Cutting-edge AI, VR, and mobile platforms are addressing the challenges of rapid upskilling in the HVACR industry.
18 HVACR Software Tools to Streamline Operations
Learn how software tools can help contractors deliver seamless customer service and optimize thier business processes.
20 Stop Chasing Virality: The Social Media Strategy HVAC Contractors Actually Need
Likes and followers create visibility, but trust and consistency are what actually drive HVAC service calls.
REFRIGERATION SERVICE TODAY
24 Leveraging Cloud-Enabled Refrigeration Controls to Better Serve Customers
Refrigeration controls with remote monitoring and A2L refrigerant leak sensing capabilities offer continuous, real-time visibility of refrigeration equipment health.
26 Vapor-Compression
Refrigeration Cycle
Components: How Compressors, Condensors, Metering Devices, and Evaporators Work Together
Breaking down the key refrigeration system components.
Online @contractingbusiness.com
Heat Pump Installation Skills Check
Heat pump installations are becoming a core skill for HVAC contractors and techs. Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz covering installation fundamentals, common pitfalls, and performance tips. Take the quiz to see how you stack up against other HVAC pros.
www.contractingbusiness.com/55340005
PODCASTS
Employee Retention Lessons From a Growing HVAC & Plumbing Contracting Business
Cooper's Plumbing and Air Owner Tony Cooper shares how employee incentives have supported rention and growth in his company.
www.contractingbusiness.com/55340299
Using Data-Driven Marketing to Reach High-Value HVAC Customers
Gage Donovan discusses how targeted advertising allows smaller contractors to compete with PE-backed brands.
www.contractingbusiness.com/55343293
The Top 3 Reasons You Shouldn't Oversize Inverter-Based Equipment
NCI's Adam Mufich clarifies common misconceptions about inverter sizing, illustrating how equipment operating outside its optimal range can cause operational issues.
www.contractingbusiness.com/55339954
Follow us on Twitter at @ContractingBiz , as well as our sister publications, @Contractormag, and @HPACEng. Retweet our up-to-date content, send comments, questions. Expand your world of engagement with us, at no extra charge!
VP/Market Leader—Buildings & Construction Group, Mike Hellmann
Audience Development Manager, James Marinaccio, jmarinaccio@endeavorb2b.com
Ad Services Manager, Deanna O’Byrne
CEO, Chris Ferrell
COO, Patrick Rains
CDO, Jacquie Niemiec
CALO, Tracy Kane
CMO, Amanda Landsaw
EVP Building & Construction Group, Chris Perrino
VP of Content Strategy— Buildings & Construction Group, Mike Eby
Contracting Business (USPS Permit 010-480, ISSN 0279-4071 print, ISSN 2771-652X online) is published monthly by Endeavor Business Media, LLC, 201 N. Main St., 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Contracting Business , PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S. ($ 105.00); Canada/Mexico ($ 137.50); All other countries ($ 157.50). All subscriptions are payable in U.S. funds. Send subscription inquiries to Contracting Business , PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. Customer service can be reached tollfree at 877-382-9187 or at contractingbusiness@ omeda.com for magazine subscription assistance or questions.
Printed in the USA. Copyright 2026 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.
Contractors can’t afford to lose experienced technicians or office staff because life happens and support isn’t there.
How HVAC Contractors Can Plan for the Unexpected
The new year didn’t start off so well for my family. While on vacation, my husband had a medical emergency, and we had to cut our trip short and fly home immediately. I spent the first 10 days of January in the hospital with him. Thankfully, he will be just fine and is on the mend at home.
During an emergency like this, there are a million and one things rushing through your mind, including what to do about work. I’m grateful my employer and manager are understanding and empathetic. A simple, “How can I help?” or “What do you need?” goes a long way to easing worry in an already stressful situation.
This got me thinking about how contracting businesses handle emergency situations for their employees. Personal emergencies can hit fast and hard—as my recent experience just confirmed— and if they’re not planned for in advance, they can disrupt service, revenue, and customer trust.
With the HVACR industry facing a persistent skilled labor shortage, having a clear personal emergency policy becomes a retention strategy. Contractors can’t afford to lose experienced technicians or office staff because life happens and support isn’t there.
here. Standard operating procedures, checklists, and quick-reference guides reduce confusion and speed up transitions. Some contractors are even experimenting with internal AI tools or searchable knowledge bases where employees can quickly access policies, workflows, and FAQs—minimizing downtime when coverage is needed.
2. Build flexibility into scheduling. Rigid schedules tend to break under pressure. Contractors that leave no margin for disruption often end up scrambling—or burning out their top performers.
Building a small buffer into daily schedules or rotating on-call coverage can provide breathing room when emergencies arise. Non-urgent work, such as maintenance agreement calls or elective installs, can often be temporarily rerouted without damaging customer relationships—especially when communicated clearly.
When employees know their company will respond with flexibility, coverage, and clear communication during a personal crisis, trust deepens. That trust often translates into loyalty, engagement, and a greater willingness to step up when the business needs support in return. The key is building operational resilience before emergencies happen. And the challenge for contractors is finding the right balance between what the business needs to function and what individuals need to feel supported. The companies that get this right are often the ones best positioned to weather workforce disruptions and stand out as employers of choice.
The Basics
Most contractors already do some of the following informally. Formalizing and expanding these practices ensure they’re consistent, repeatable, and scalable.
1. Cross-train to reduce risk. Every contracting business should identify single points of failure— roles or tasks that only one person knows how to handle. When that employee is suddenly unavailable, the impact can be immediate and costly.
At least two people should be able to handle dispatching, invoicing, payroll—you get the point. Documenting key processes is a force multiplier
3. Develop a clear emergency coverage plan. Emergencies are the worst time to improvise. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” A clear coverage plan ensures everyone knows what happens next when a key employee is suddenly out. At a minimum, the plan should outline: who steps in for critical roles; how leadership is notified; and who has decision-making authority for overtime, job triage, and customer communication.
Don’t forget to review this plan annually and after major staffing changes. As companies grow, roles evolve—and so should emergency coverage strategies.
4. Communicate early and transparently. Internally, teams need to understand what’s changing and what’s expected—without violating employee privacy. Externally, customers appreciate proactive communication far more than last-minute cancellations. A quick call or message explaining a schedule adjustment and offering a revised timeline can preserve goodwill and prevent frustration.
5. Reinforce compassion through policy. How a company responds during personal emergencies defines its culture more than almost any mission statement. Flexible PTO options, emergency leave policies, clear return-to-work expectations, and access to employee assistance programs (when possible) send a powerful message: people matter.
Why It Matters
The bottom line is contracting businesses that plan for personal emergencies don’t just survive disruptions—they protect their people, their reputation, and their revenue.
BOOST RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION WITH CARHARTT®
An Apparel+ workwear program gives your business an edge in attracting and keeping top talent with quality Carhartt® gear that makes your team feel valued. Plus world class service at a convenience you never knew existed.
Weekly laundry, repairs and delivery included
No upfront cost required
Frank Wall Named CEO of SMACNA
CHANTILLY, Virginia—The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) announced Frank Wall as its new CEO, effective Jan. 20.
According to SMACNA, Wall will lead the association’s efforts to support member contractors through industry education, labor relations, standards development, representation, and business studies. The organization said his appointment reflects a focus on navigating both near-term challenges and long-term opportunities facing the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.
Wall most recently served as executive director of operations for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). In that role, he oversaw daily operations at the national office and served as executive director of the John R. Gentile Foundation. He has also worked as a faculty member with C. Richard Barnes and Associates, facilitating leadership education programs within the unionized electrical industry.
His industry involvement has included leadership and advisory roles related to workforce development, prevailing wage policy, and career and technical education.
“We are pleased to be led by a professional with the leadership and industry skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said SMACNA President Todd Hill. “He is the right person to take the helm in achieving our objectives.”
Wall holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and has been active in national volunteer leadership organizations.
PHCC Outlook Forecasts Uneven HVAC and Plumbing Growth in 2026
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia—The PHCC-National Association has released its Environmental Scan outlining expectations for the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry in 2026, pointing to modest growth, persistent labor challenges, and selective opportunities across construction markets.
According to the report, overall economic growth is expected to slow but remain positive as inflation eases and interest rates gradually decline. Employment growth is projected to cool as the unemployment rate approaches 5%, though labor demand among P-H-C businesses is expected to remain strong due to retirements and a limited pipeline of new workers.
PHCC noted that labor shortages continue across construction trades, including HVAC and plumbing, with roughly half of employers reporting difficulty finding skilled applicants. Data from the National Association of Home Builders shows these trades rely heavily on foreign-born workers, which could add strain as immigration enforcement policies evolve.
The report projects uneven construction growth in 2026, with strength concentrated in data centers, infrastructure programs, and renovation activity rather than broad-based new construction. Residential remodeling is expected to grow about 2% as homeowners prioritize energy-efficiency upgrades and system
replacements. Single-family residential construction is projected to grow approximately 1%, while multifamily construction is expected to decline by about 2%.
Nonresidential construction is forecast to remain mixed, with continued investment in data centers, transportation, and health care, while lodging and other commercial segments are expected to soften. Water supply and sewage as well as waste disposal construction are projected to grow 4% and 6%, respectively, driven by infrastructure investment and regulatory requirements.
PHCC also highlighted continued interest in artificial intelligence across home services. A 2025 Housecall Pro survey found more than 70% of home-service professionals have experimented with AI, with common applications including administrative support, marketing, review management, scheduling, and operational visibility.
On refrigerants, the report noted that low-global-warmingpotential A2L equipment accounted for 90% of distributor sales by October 2025, indicating the industry’s transition is largely complete. PHCC also cited the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to deprioritize enforcement of certain installation bans, allowing continued installation of some R-410A equipment in 2026.
Consolidation is expected to continue in 2026 as private equity and strategic buyers pursue HVAC and plumbing firms with multitrade capabilities, recurring service revenue, and geographic scale.
PHCC concluded that contractors entering 2026 will face a complex environment shaped by labor constraints, cost pressures, and uneven demand. The association said businesses that closely manage risk, invest in workforce development, and leverage technology will be better positioned to navigate the year ahead.
Helios HVACR Partners with Bluon on Artificial Intelligence Deployment
IRVINE, California—Helios HVACR Services has begun deploying artificial intelligence tools nationwide through a strategic partnership with Bluon, expanding digital support for technicians across more than 40 states.
According to Bluon, the partnership equips Helios HVACR field teams with AI-driven diagnostics and equipment intelligence designed to improve service speed, accuracy, and technician productivity. The platform integrates directly into existing workflows and provides real-time access to technical resources for complex commercial HVACR systems.
Helios HVACR technicians will use Bluon’s proprietary database and AI-powered support tools to reduce diagnostic time, increase first-time fix rates, and improve access to actionable asset data. The system delivers technical intelligence across more than 230 original equipment manufacturers and 25 million unique HVAC units, reducing the need for manual research and calls to original equipment manufacturer technical support.
As part of the deployment, Bluon is enriching Helios HVACR’s equipment records with specifications, equipment age, and warranty information. The companies state that this approach is
Frank Wall SMACNA
intended to support faster service resolution, improved service efficiency, and reduced customer downtime for multi-site commercial operations.
Bluon Chairman and CEO Peter Capuciati said the collaboration reflects a growing industry shift toward using AI to support technicians, improve first-time fix rates, and address workforce challenges in commercial HVACR service operations.
Sila Services Expands Ohio HVAC Footprint with Multi-Brand Acquisition
PHILADELPHIA—Sila Services announced it has expanded its Midwest footprint with the acquisition of NEOH, a multi-brand home services platform operating across Ohio.
According to the company, the acquisition includes Simpson Heating & Air, Bonsky Heating & Cooling, Best Heating & Air Solutions, Ultra Clean Duct Cleaning, Coblentz Plumbing Solutions, and Trade Masters Academy.
Sila Services said the addition of NEOH strengthens its Ohio operations and enhances its multi-trade home services platform serving residential customers throughout the state.
The NEOH group was founded and led by HVAC industry veterans Chad Simpson and Steve VanHorn, and has grown over more than 15 years with a focus on team development and customer service.
“This acquisition aligns with Sila’s mission to provide exceptional home services to the communities we serve, while also investing in and expanding career opportunities across our trades,” said Jason Rabbino, CEO of Sila Services. “Chad, Steve, and their team have built something special in Ohio by growing thoughtfully, putting people first in all their decisions, and expanding their range of services to benefit customers. This partnership will allow us to accelerate growth, invest in training, and create even more opportunities for trades professionals across the region.”
Bring Back the Trades Expands Workforce Outreach with 2026 Skills Expos
RYE, New Hampshire—Bring Back the Trades announced it will host two Spring 2026 Skills Expos focused on introducing students and community members to careers in the skilled trades, including HVAC.
According to the nonprofit, the Spring 2026 schedule includes a return to Londonderry High School in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 18, and the organization’s firstever Maine Skills Expo at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland on Tuesday, May 19.
Both events will be presented by title sponsor F.W. Webb Co. and are designed to provide hands-on exposure to careers in construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive, and other skilled trades through interactive demonstrations and conversations with local professionals.
The Londonderry Skills Expo is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees and will be free and open to the public. The event is co-hosted by the Rotary Club of Londonderry and the
Londonderry Police Department and will again take place at Londonderry High School.
The Maine Skills Expo marks Bring Back the Trades’ first event in the state and will be held on the Southern Maine Community College campus. The ticketed event will connect students from across southern Maine with regional employers, unions, trade schools, and workforce partners in a college setting designed to highlight both education and career pathways.
Attendees at both events will have opportunities to meet local employers and educators, explore equipment demonstrations, learn about career and education pathways, and access information about Bring Back the Trades scholarship opportunities.
PayEngine and ServiceTitan Enable Tap-to-Pay for Field Service
LOS ANGELES— PayEngine announced a partnership with ServiceTitan to bring SoftPOS tap-to-pay capabilities to field service contractors across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other service trades.
According to PayEngine, the integration allows ServiceTitan customers to accept contactless card payments directly on existing mobile phones or tablets, eliminating the need for separate payment terminals, Bluetooth accessories, or manual card entry.
The companies said the solution addresses common challenges faced by field technicians, including security risks, processing errors, and higher costs associated with keyed-in payments. With SoftPOS, technicians can complete payment collection by tapping a customer’s card at the end of a job.
PayEngine’s processor-agnostic payment middleware enables the integration without requiring ServiceTitan to replace or alter its existing payment processor relationships. The approach allows contractors to adopt tap-to-pay functionality while maintaining current payment infrastructure.
“We built PayEngine to be the bridge between legacy payment infrastructure and modern user experiences,” said Spartak Buniatyan, CEO of PayEngine.
The companies said benefits for contractors include lower processing costs compared to manual card entry, enhanced security through reduced fraud exposure, fewer hardware-related issues, and tighter integration between job completion and payment collection.
PayEngine
Bring Back the Trades
Trane Earns 12th Straight America’s Most Trusted HVAC Brand Ranking
DAVIDSON, North Carolina—Trane has been named America’s Most Trusted Residential HVAC Brand for the 12th consecutive year, according to the 2026 America’s Most Trusted Study conducted by Lifestory Research.
The annual study surveyed 12,328 consumers nationwide between January and December 2025 to evaluate trust across leading HVAC brands. Trane earned the highest Net Trust Quotient score in the study, with a rating of 113.7, exceeding the industry average benchmark of 100.
In addition to its overall brand ranking, Trane was also named the No. 2 five-star thermostat brand for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting continued consumer confidence in its residential comfort controls and connected system offerings.
According to Lifestory Research, brand trust scores are calculated using its Net Trust Quotient methodology and require sufficient survey responses to meet a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of no more than 3%. Brands are then evaluated against peer organizations of similar size and complexity.
Trane Technologies, the parent company of Trane, continues to advance long-term sustainability initiatives alongside its residential HVAC portfolio. These include its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, the Gigaton Challenge to help customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company says it was one of the first HVAC manufacturers to have both near- and long-term emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Jetson Secures $50M to Scale AllElectric Heat Pump Systems
DENVER and VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Jetson announced it has raised $50 million in Series A funding to expand its residential electrification business and accelerate the adoption of all-electric heat pump systems across new U.S. markets.
The funding round was led by Eclipse, with participation from 8VC, Activate Capital, and existing investors Garage Capital and Active Impact. According to the company, the capital will support entry into additional U.S. states, workforce growth, and continued development of its heat pump product pipeline.
Jetson’s business model centers on vertically integrated residential electrification, managing everything from remote home assessments and rebate processing to installation through inhouse teams. The company says this approach reduces installation timelines and lowers heat pump upgrade costs by 30% to 50%.
Founded in 2024, Jetson focuses on replacing gas furnaces with
all-electric heat pump systems. Its flagship product, Jetson Air, is a central heat pump designed to heat and cool homes using existing ductwork while embedding software for monitoring and system performance.
“Heat pumps have worked for decades, but their cost and complexity have put them out of reach of most homeowners,” said Stephen Lake, co-founder and CEO of Jetson. “We’re removing the friction by making the process digital, fast, and affordable, while fully managing the purchase from start to finish. This funding will help us quickly bring this experience to more homeowners across the U.S. and Canada.”
Jetson reports installing more than 1,000 systems to date and currently operates in Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Vancouver. The company plans to use the new funding to expand its footprint and continue developing intelligent home electrification solutions aimed at scaling residential heat pump adoption.
Lennox L40 Smart Thermostat Wins IoT Breakthrough Award
DALLAS —Lennox announced that its Lennox L40 Smart Thermostat has been named “Smart Thermostat of the Year” in the IoT Breakthrough Awards, an annual program recognizing innovation across the Internet of Things ecosystem.
According to Lennox, the award recognizes the L40 Smart Thermostat for its connected capabilities that support system monitoring, smart home integration, and energy-efficient operation. Features cited include geo-fencing, customizable schedules, guided configuration prompts, and system insight tools designed to help homeowners manage comfort and performance.
The Lennox L40 includes Smart Away geo-fencing technology, which uses a homeowner’s smartphone GPS to automatically adjust temperature settings when occupants leave or return
Jetson
home. The thermostat also delivers system alerts, maintenance reminders, and remote diagnostics intended to help identify potential issues earlier.
To simplify installation and setup, the L40 provides guided prompts for Wi-Fi connection, account creation, and thermostat pairing. Homeowners can customize schedules, alerts, and a One-Touch Away Mode that shifts heating and cooling to preset set points. Lennox dealers can configure custom equipment profiles to align thermostat settings with specific system types, locations, and homeowner preferences.
The thermostat is managed through the Lennox Home app, which allows remote temperature adjustments, schedule management, and system status monitoring. The app supports Lennox equipment pairing, system alerts, and maintenance notifications, enabling integration across connected home platforms.
“Developing smart connected controls requires balancing technical complexity with everyday usability,” said Prakash Bedapudi, chief technology officer at Lennox. “The L40 smart thermostat design achieves that balance by delivering system insights in an intuitive format homeowners can understand.”
Carrier
Advances
Cold-Climate Rooftop Heat Pumps Through DOE Field Trials
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—Carrier Global Corp. announced the launch of commercial field trials for its next-generation rooftop heat pump technology as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.
According to Carrier, the field trials mark a key milestone following laboratory validation and are designed to demonstrate system performance in active commercial environments. The rooftop heat pump technology targets broad commercial adoption and is intended to reduce energy use and operating costs while supporting grid reliability.
Carrier’s 10–14-ton rooftop heat pump unit has been installed at a large national retailer in upstate New York. The system was the first in its size range to complete Department of Energy laboratory verification testing, delivering 100% heating capacity at 5° F and more than 70% heating capacity at -10° F. Carrier stated that performance met or exceeded the Department of Energy’s commercial HVAC efficiency thresholds.
A 15-ton rooftop heat pump unit is currently undergoing testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee and is expected to begin commercial field trials at a facility in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks. Carrier said testing and monitoring will be verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with field trials expected to conclude in summer
2027. Commercial availability is anticipated in summer 2027. The Department of Energy’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge focuses on accelerating deployment of advanced HVAC equipment that lowers energy consumption and operating costs. The program includes light commercial categories covering 10–14 tons and 15–25 tons, with Carrier participating in both.
Carrier reported that independent testing conducted by the Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory showed the rooftop heat pump systems met or exceeded targets for integrated variable heating efficiency, integrated variable heating efficiency cold, and coefficients of performance, supporting readiness for scaled commercial use in cold climates.
Copeland Acquires Bueno Analytics to Expand AI HVAC Analytics
ST. LOUIS— Copeland announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Bueno Analytics, an Australia-based software company specializing in AI-driven building analytics and energy management solutions for commercial buildings and the cold chain.
According to Copeland, the acquisition will integrate Bueno Analytics’ software-as-a-service platform, which uses embedded AI and machine learning to deliver operational insights, predictive maintenance, energy management, leak detection, and workforce efficiency tools. Bueno’s platform is currently deployed across several thousand customer sites worldwide.
Copeland said the combined capabilities are intended to help customers improve equipment uptime, reduce energy use, extend asset life, and gain greater visibility into building and cold chain operations. The company noted that buildings account for an estimated 40% of global carbon emissions, with commercial buildings and cold chain operations representing a significant portion of that impact.
The acquisition strengthens Copeland’s aftermarket portfolio by adding artificial intelligence-enabled analytics designed to support data-driven decision-making and performance optimization. Copeland stated that customers are increasingly relying on connected services to manage complex systems and meet operational and sustainability goals.
“This acquisition will combine Copeland’s leading-edge technologies, broad aftermarket offerings, and strong customer relationships with Bueno Analytics’ proven AI-enabled platform,” said Ross B. Shuster, chief executive officer of Copeland.
Bueno Analytics will continue to operate as an independent company until the transaction closes. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of the 2026 calendar year, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Smart HVACR Systems and the
Evolving Role and Training of the Technician
As HVACR systems become more connected and intelligent, technicians must balance mechanical expertise with digital fluency. Training programs are evolving to include hands-on experience with IoT devices, companion apps, and diagnostic tools, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
The era of smart HVACR systems is about a decade old. AI and other new technologies continue to change how HVACR technicians diagnose and troubleshoot systems. This leads to multiple questions, including: Do technicians need new skills? Are their previous skills relevant? How have training programs evolved to prepare technicians for the new systems?
AI Helps Technicians Diagnose Issues
In the past, a technician would arrive at a client’s house. Diagnosing the HVACR issue meant the technician would take measurements, do manual calculations, and consult manuals.
Today’s smart HVAC systems come with companion apps that provide an accessible, up-to-date knowledge base to support guided troubleshooting and consistent best practices among technicians. They also provide HVACR technicians with tons of data, and software aggregates it very quickly to understand how a system is operating.
The smart AI-enabled systems provide technicians with deeper visibility into active faults, likely failing components, and potential replacement needs when they arrive on-site. The new systems are shifting technicians toward more data-driven, efficient diagnosis and troubleshooting, using rich real-time system data rather than trial-and-error.
However, it’s not about simply following the diagnostic tools.
“AI-powered diagnostic tools can suggest probable causes, but they may lack the full context a technician gains on-site, such as installation quality, environmental factors, or subtle system behaviors,” said Bosch Product Manager Pulkit Aggarwal.
“You can’t 100% rely on the AI,” says ECO HVAC trainer, Brandon Payne. “You still have to be a critical thinker.”
Payne argues that today’s techs need to have more mechanical knowledge.
“There’s so many data points that we’re measuring that we didn’t in the past,” Payne said. “While technicians have access to AI-driven answers to their questions, they still have to critically think and separate the good from the bad answers. They need to have the right questions, because AI is an answer engine.”
How do they formulate the right questions?
“A strong grasp of core HVAC principles — refrigeration cycle, airflow, and system sequencing — remains foundational for commissioning and troubleshooting, even when software adds more visibility,” Aggarwal said.
It empowers technicians to validate or challenge automated recommendations rather than blindly follow them. This is necessary as today’s systems are more complex and expensive.
Aggarwal also notes there are gaps in training, including “limited hands-on training with specific apps and IoT connectivity in traditional programs. There is also insufficient focus on validating AI outputs versus blindly following them, which can lead to potential misdiagnoses.”
Yet, those newbies who are properly trained to use the technology and have a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical fundamentals are a step ahead of previous generations.
“AI-enabled tools accelerating learning and boosting productivity, new technicians can ramp up faster, perform at a higher level sooner, and ultimately strengthen the talent pipeline, resulting in a net positive for the industry,” Aggarwal said.
Of course, veteran HVACR technicians need to update their skills as well.
And if they don’t update their skills?
“They can do the job effectively, but not as effectively as the guy that’s been doing it one year who’s using the tool,” Payne. “The experienced tech would be a disadvantage because the tools are such a force multiplier.”
“If the veteran can really embrace the tools and use them well, they’re like a superhero in a lot of ways.”
“The new systems are harder to work as there are a lot more moving pieces, and there’s a lot more to break,” Payne said. “Parts are primarily factory-specific, so techs need to know where they can get a particular piece of equipment or have the right resources to ask questions.”
Ultimately, techs need to ask questions that may be humbling for veterans and uncomfortable for those who grew up relying on technology. No matter their background, HVACR techs will work on something they’ve never seen before.
Training Today’s Technicians
Although there are currently fewer smart HVAC systems operating in the United States than traditional systems, their market is growing and is projected to continue to do so moving forward. Therefore, training programs need to adapt to ensure technicians have the skills to work on the systems.
To get to that level, potential techs need training. Typically, training programs lag behind developments in the field.
“Training programs have evolved to include hands-on training with live smart and connected HVAC equipment, demonstrating how IoT data and newer diagnostic tools make technicians more efficient and accurate,” Aggarwal said. “In parallel, curricula now incorporate demos of companion apps.”
Payne agrees that training programs have evolved, but believes that they have a way to go. “Many labs are still using the old analog gauges while the better programs are building connected labs where students use smart thermostats, Bluetooth tools, and platforms like MeasureQuick on real equipment.”
He continues, “On the flip side, if the veteran can really embrace the tools and use them well, they’re like a superhero in a lot of ways.”
The growth of smart systems is not only impacting today’s new techs but also the workforce of tomorrow. Smart systems and the tools used to diagnose them are proving to be a boon for recruitment. Attracting more talent to the industry is essential, given that today’s HVACR employees are on average over 40 years old.
“The younger generation is really drawn to the fact that they’re not just laborers, but technicians who are using state-of-the-art technology,” Payne said.
Moving forward, HVACR technicians will continue to need a diverse skill set to successfully serve customers.
“The most successful HVACR technicians will be hybrid experts who seamlessly blend deep mechanical knowledge with digital fluency in apps, AI assistants, and connected systems,” Aggarawl said. “They will also be data-savvy problem-solvers who integrate sensor trends and AI insights with on-site field observations for precise, efficient fixes.”
A decade into the smart HVACR era, the technology has changed how problems are diagnosed, but it has not replaced the need for strong fundamentals. AI, data, and connected tools make technicians more effective and efficient. The ability to blend core mechanical knowledge with digital fluency, critical thinking skills, experience, and the right questions empowers HVACR techs to diagnose issues. Training programs enable veterans and newcomers to adapt because, in the end, smart tools don’t replace skilled technicians; they amplify them.
Larry Bernstein is a freelance writer based in northern New Jersey. He specializes in construction technology; education technology; and transportation, logistics, and supply chain.
Tech for Technicians: Tools to Get Your Employees on Top of Their Game
Cutting-edge AI, VR, and mobile platforms are addressing the challenges of rapid upskilling in the HVACR industry, improving training efficiency and technician confidence.
F“We build these 3D environments that are almost like the real world, where people get to practice and learn the proper steps before they go out and do it.”
— Dan Clapper
ew business leaders would argue that employee training isn’t challenging, especially in an industry that’s already grappling with labor shortages. For HVACR contractors, upskilling new recruits needs to happen quickly, without compromising the quality of the experience. Unsurprisingly, the tech sector has stepped in to address this, combining immersive experiences that leverage AI and VR, and rapid-fire access to critical data that field technicians need to successfully execute installation, service, and maintenance.
Virtual Reality for Real Results
Interplay Learning, with headquarters in Austin, Texas, delivers immersive training to a number of skilled trades, including HVAC. Its platform combines AI, instructor-led sessions, online simulations, and VR, and offers courses covering subjects such as HVAC supplies; leak, evacuation, and charging; thermostats and heating controls; and NATE readyto-work exam preparation.
Dan Clapper, Interplay’s head of learner and business outcomes, argues that this approach is more consistent than on-the-job training or the one-off educational events often hosted by manufacturers. At the same time, VR simulations give learners an accurate depiction of what they will encounter when servicing customers.
“We build these 3D environments that are almost like the real world, where people get to practice and learn the proper steps before they go out and do it [in practice],” Clapper explains. Clapper also notes that the software enables companies to streamline pre-training skills assessments, which results in a more tailored program.
“One of the challenges of training is I have all these employees, and I really don’t know where everyone’s skill set is,” Clapper says. “If we do a really good assessment on the front end, then we can actually individualize learning instead of having everyone take the same thing.”
Interplay
Learning’s platform combines AI, instructor-led sessions, online simulations, and VR, and offers courses covering subjects such as HVAC supplies; leak, evacuation, and charging; thermostats and heating controls; and NATE readyto-work exam preparation.
Interplay Learning
On the back end, Interplay’s platform updates supervisors on their technicians’ strengths and weaknesses. Clapper notes that this further contributes to creating individualized training experiences and helps managers assign the best techs to specific service calls, based on their current level of expertise.
Mobile All the Way
SkillCat, based in New York, offers subscriptions to its mobile training app to individual workers, small to mid-sized employers, and enterprise-level contracting companies. The online training is simulation-based and covers everything from HVAC fundamentals to electrical and mechanical skills, and EPA 608 certification, with exams proctored via the test-taker’s smartphone camera.
“It’s really designed for technicians who want to get into the industry to have all the knowledge they need in order to be confident on day one,” explains Emi Avtalion, head of marketing at SkillCat.
Avtalion advises contractors to combine SkillCat’s online program with on-the-job training for the best results. “A lot of employers have a service manager who is training technicians hands-on, and then they pair our training so that it really sinks
“A
lot of employers have a service manager who is training technicians hands-on, and then they pair our training so that it really sinks in.”
—
Emi Avtalion
in,” she says. With this approach, learners can apply the theories they learn on the platform to real-life situations. “[They] learn why they did what they just did [so that] the next time they see something like that—or even something similar but not exactly the same problem—they’ll understand why it was happening and exactly what they need to do to solve it.”
AI as the Contractor’s Coach
At Housecall Pro, a software developer based in Denver, the focus is on facilitating customer service, dispatching, invoicing, quoting, reporting, and scheduling. Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder
“Housecall Pro’s Coach AI will set sales targets and offer feedback on a contractor’s ability to achieve them.”
— Roland Ligtenberg
Housecall Pro focuses on facilitating customer service, dispatching, invoicing, quoting, reporting, and scheduling.
“[Previous generations] learned by memorization, reading, and experiential sorts of connections. Young folks don’t learn that way. They learn by indexing—they learn where to find it.”
— Peter Capuciati
and senior vice president of growth and innovation, explained that the platform’s AI-driven tool will also coach home service business owners—including HVACR contractors—on how to grow their companies.
For example, perhaps the business owner’s goal is to make $1 million in sales this year. Based on the specific company data they enter into the system, Housecall Pro’s Coach AI will set sales targets and offer feedback on the contractor’s ability to achieve them based on the size of its current workforce.
“Our Coach AI knows everything about that one business, and it also knows everything about [all of the other] businesses in our database,” Ligtenberg said. “You get this knowledge of the entirety, but also how it applies to your unique business.”
AI-Powered Training and Support
Bluon, with headquarters in Irvine, California, leverages AI and an extensive database to help both HVAC field technicians and office staff deliver better tech support. It is also used for technician training, often on-the-spot during service calls. Techs may either scan HVAC units with their smartphones or conduct searches to access detailed model and part data, including compatible parts, and links to suppliers for information on availability and pricing. They may also connect with an AI tool to perform better diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Peter Capuciati, CEO at Bluon, argues that his company’s training method—wherein technicians look up instructions as needed rather than sitting through training modules that may or may not apply to what they’re currently working on—is wellsuited to the way younger techs digest information.
“[Previous generations] learned by memorization, reading, and experiential sorts of connections,” Capuciati said. “Young folks don’t learn that way. They learn by indexing—they learn where to find it.”
This allows new HVACR service techs—who, according to Capuciati, don’t always have the benefit of shadowing more seasoned installers and maintenance workers—to be more confident in their work.
“The old mentor-apprentice relationship is sort of broken,” Capuciati said. “These kids are thrown into a van and told, have at it. They don’t have a mentor, which everybody else did, historically, in this trade.”
While the skilled trades may struggle with bringing new recruits up to speed, Capuciati believes that, thanks to the tools out there, things are starting to improve. He also points to a changing attitude toward the career opportunities that the skilled trades can offer.
or
model and part data, including compatible parts, and links to suppliers for information on availability and pricing. They may also connect with an AI tool to perform better diagnosis and troubleshooting.
“A couple of years ago, there still wasn’t any enthusiasm to enter the trades,” Capuciati said. “They weren’t lining up, and now they are.”
Carolyn Heinze is a freelance journalist based in Paris. She regularly writes about business, construction, electrical distribution, sustainability and ESG, and tech. You may reach her at carolyn@ carolynheinze.com.
Bluon enables technicians to either scan HVAC units with their smartphones
conduct searches to access detailed
Bluon
WHERE FACILITY CHALLENGES FIND SOLUTIONS
CENTRAL VALLEY
March 18-19, 2026
Lodi, CA
RENO
August 19-20, 2026
Reno, NV
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
April 8-9, 2026
Anaheim, CA
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
September 2026
Santa Clara, CA
NORTHWEST
April 29-30, 2026
Portland, OR
NORTH TEXAS
October 14-15, 2026
Irving, TX
HVACR Software Tools to Streamline Operations
Learn how software tools can help contractors deliver seamless customer service and optimize their business processes.
In an industry where efficiency, accuracy, and seamless customer experiences are key to staying competitive, the right software can make all the difference for HVACR contractors. From estimating and job management to scheduling, invoicing, and customer relationship tools, a growing suite of software solutions is designed to help contractors streamline operations and grow their business. Explore these tools to find the one that best fits your workflow and business goals.
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform built specifically for home service contractors. Trusted by over 200,000 trades professionals, it helps contractors streamline daily operations, improve customer experiences and grow more efficiently.
As a cloud-based solution, Housecall Pro centralizes essential business tools such as job scheduling, dispatching, customer management, estimates, invoicing, and payments. Its intuitive mobile app allows teams to manage jobs from the office or the field, keeping everyone connected in real-time. Automation features, including online booking, appointment reminders, review requests, and marketing campaigns reduce administrative work while helping contractors win and retain more customers. Additional tools include GPS tracking, recurring service plans, financial reporting, integrated payment processing, and seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks. AI-powered features and call answering services help capture leads and book jobs around the clock, even after hours. www.housecallpro.com
Bluon is a provider of technical data and AI-guided technical support to the HVACR space. Spanning over 25 million unique model numbers across 235+ OEMs, Bluon’s guided support and technical data increases productivity and profitability for contractors
and distributors by delivering the precise right information or guidance at the right time, whether that’s in the field or at the office.
Technicians gain instant access to model-specific technical data, wiring diagrams, replacement part compatibility and ‘model-specific’ AI-guided support that makes quick work of diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs, mitigating mistakes, delays, and costly callbacks. Meanwhile, office teams working on parts procurement or service contracts benefit from detailed equipment specs, age and warranty status and replacement part compatibility.
What all of this means is higher first-time fix rates, decreased callbacks, improved technician productivity, and increased revenue and profitability for both residential and commercial contractors, giving them a clear competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive space. bluon.com
ServiceTitan Atlas is a new conversational interface designed to fundamentally change how contractors interact with ServiceTitan. As the latest evolution of Titan Intelligence, Atlas allows users to manage complex operations through simple, natural language interactions rather than through traditional multi-step manual tasks.
Currently, Atlas acts as a powerful co-pilot within the ServiceTitan platform, helping teams execute tasks with greater speed and precision. By proactively surfacing insights and enabling users to take
quick action, it reduces the administrative burden on office staff and technicians alike.
This agentic workflow is a core component of the ServiceTitan Max Program, which integrates Pro Products with coordinated automation. By grounding advanced AI in everyday service workflows, Atlas helps businesses operate more efficiently, deliver more consistent customer experiences, and unlock higher ROI. www.servicetitan.com
Trimble Materials is an end-to-end purchasing, inventory, and accounts payable software solution. It integrates with Trimble Construction One solutions, providing connectivity for contractors to develop more efficient estimating, operations and accounting management ecosystems. Trimble Materials complements Trimble’s existing construction supply chain workflows that automate the exchange of material pricing between suppliers and contractors, and facilitate ordering from preferred suppliers.
With Trimble Materials, field users can easily search for and request materials, view inventory, record received materials, and communicate with the office. Office users, such as project managers and purchasing teams, can more efficiently control, approve and process orders, view inventory, generate RFQs, compare quotes, and reconcile invoices. A comprehensive view of these purchasing activities and spend analysis is created in one place.
With Trimble Materials, instead of developing field orders through manual processes like emails and phone calls, users can easily find items, create accurate material lists for ordering, compare quotes, manage receiving and delivery to correct locations and initiate invoicing through one centralized application. Digitizing and streamlining the procurement process means more control, visibility, efficiency and reduced risk across the project lifecycle. www.trimble.com
Daikin ONE Cloud Services solutions and Daikin ONE Home—is now SkyportCare and SkyportHome. These platforms are designed with two distinct experiences—one for contractors, the other for homeowners, retooled with more intelligent features.
SkyportCare equips HVAC contractors with advanced remote diagnostics, system control, and intelligent features that can be incorporated into service and maintenance plans to help support new revenue opportunities. Replacing prior cloud service apps, it streamlines contractor–homeowner interactions and enables
homeowners to grant their HVAC contractor secure, remote access to diagnose, adjust and optimize performance of their systems, while receiving alerts and notifications if issues arise.
For homeowners, SkyportHome offers a user-friendly interface that provides remote thermostat control, air quality monitoring, alerts and maintenance notifications. The app supports multiple zone control, home-and-away geofencing, plus energy insights with usage tracking.
SkyportCare and SkyportHome support long-term connections between contractors and homeowners by improving communication and helping ensure systems are installed correctly and performing at their best, while enabling contractors to respond faster and serve customers more effectively. daikincomfort.com
Interplay Learning provides training built specifically to help home service contractors develop skilled, job-ready technicians faster and more effectively. Designed for HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other skilled trades, the software combines immersive 3D simulations with structured online courses to deliver hands-on learning without pulling technicians out of the field.
Through realistic virtual environments, learners practice skills such as troubleshooting issues, equipment installation, maintenance and repairs in a safe, repeatable setting. This allows contractors to standardize training and reduce costly mistakes, all while reinforcing key technical competencies. Interplay Learning’s curriculum is aligned with industry standards and can also help technicians prep for certifications and credentials like EPA 608 and OSHA.
For business owners and managers, the platform provides visibility into training progress, skill competency and job readiness. Teams can onboard new hires faster while also upskilling experienced technicians, ensuring consistency throughout the process. The flexible, mobile-friendly design makes it easy for technicians to learn anytime and anywhere, without interrupting daily operations.
By shortening the time to proficiency and improving service quality, Interplay Learning helps home service contractors build stronger teams. www.interplaylearning.com
Stop Chasing Virality: The Social Media Strategy HVAC Contractors Actually Need
Likes and followers create visibility, but trust and consistency are what actually drive HVAC service calls. Crystal Williams explains how HVAC contractors can stay top-of-mind without flashy posts or big budgets.
Many HVAC contractors invest time in social media only to wonder why likes and followers aren’t translating into jobs. According to Crystal Williams, co-founder of Lemon Seed Marketing, the problem isn’t the platform—it’s the expectation. In this Q&A, Williams breaks down why social media should be viewed first as a trust-building and brand familiarity tool, not an instant lead generator. She explains how consistency, clear messaging, and alignment across marketing channels help contractors stay top-of-mind with homeowners— and why showing up reliably matters far more than going viral.
CB: Many contractors feel frustrated that social media isn’t generating leads. What do you see as the most common misconceptions trades contractors have about “success” online?
CW: One of the biggest misconceptions is that social media is supposed to act like a magic lead machine—that if you post often enough, jobs will start rolling in. However, for most contracting businesses, social media is primarily a brand-building tool, and a sales tool second. Contractors often expect direct leads from the very first post, instead of understanding that homeowners need repeated exposure and trust before they’ll call. Another misconception is the idea that success is about looking “viral”
instead of being consistent, professional, and reliable. In the trades, familiarity beats flashy every time.
CB: Why do likes, shares, and follower counts rarely translate into actual jobs in the trades?
CW: Because engagement metrics measure attention, not intent, a homeowner can like a funny post without ever needing a new roof. Someone can follow you today but not need a plumber for 18 months. In the trades, jobs occur when a homeowner has a problem and remembers your brand first. And then they already trust you enough to call. Likes and followers may help increase visibility, but they don’t automatically equal built-in trust or timing.
CB: What does a “consistent online presence” look like for a small or mid-sized contracting business?
CW: Consistency isn’t about posting every day; it’s about predictability and alignment. A consistent presence looks like:
• Posting 2-4 times per week;
• Keeping your brand colors, tone, and messaging unified;
• Showing real work, real people, and real community;
• Maintaining an updated website;
Crystal Williams
Crystal Williams, Lemon Seed Marketing
• Responding to messages and comments in a timely way; and
• Keeping business hours, services, and contact info accurate everywhere.
Consistency builds ownership of your market, even if your volume of content is simple.
CB: How can contractors build brand familiarity in their local market without relying on flashy or viral content?
CW: Contractors can build brand familiarity through repetition and relatability, rather than relying on theatrics. Contractors can show up in their local market by:
• Sharing quick project spotlights;
• Posting “meet the team” content;
• Highlighting community involvement;
• Showing the behind-the-scenes job process;
• Posting simple homeowner tips; and
• Using the same logo, colors, and messaging everywhere. Most homeowners don’t need entertainment; they need to know who you are and what you do. Showing up consistently the same way is far more powerful than going viral once.
CB: How important is it for contractors to have a clear and consistent brand message across social media, website, and other marketing channels?
CW: It’s essential. In the trades, consistency equals trust. When a homeowner sees the same message on your trucks, social media, website, and yard signs, it signals stability and credibility. If your online presence feels disjointed, featuring different colors, tones, and promises, it creates confusion. And confused customers don’t buy.
CB: What are some low-cost, high-impact strategies contractors can use to stay top-of-mind with homeowners?
CW: These strategies require more intentionality than budget— and they compound over time.
• Regular social posts (even simple ones);
• Monthly or quarterly email newsletters;
• Google Business Profile updates;
• Requesting and replying to reviews;
• Yard signs with consistent branding;
• Community involvement photos; and
• Short educational videos filmed on a phone.
CB: How should contractors prioritize their marketing efforts between social media, email, online reviews, and other channels?
CW: Think of it like a marketing pyramid:
• Foundation: Google reviews, website, and branding. If these aren’t strong, nothing else will work;
• Middle layer: Email marketing and social media. These build relationships and keep your business memorable; and
• Top Layer: Paid ads, seasonal promotions, and direct
mail. These bring in leads once the brand is already trusted
Contractors shouldn’t treat every channel equally; build the foundation, then layer intentionally.
CB: Are there simple metrics contractors can track to know if their online efforts are actually driving business, beyond likes and followers?
CW: Instead of tracking likes and follows, contractors should look at website traffic trends, click to call actions, form submissions, Google Business Profile Insights, and direct feedback: “How did you hear about us?”
These metrics directly connect to homeowner interest, not just visibility.
CB: What types of messaging most effectively convey reliability and trustworthiness to homeowners?
CW: Homeowners want contractors who are: on time, reasonably priced, skilled, safe, and easy to communicate with. Messaging that reinforces this sounds like: “Family owned and locally trusted since 1990,” “We show up when we say we will,” “Clear pricing and transparent communication.” The tone should be confident, not salesy; clear, not clever.
CB: How can contractors balance showing personality on social media and projecting professionalism and expertise?
CW: Show personality through team spotlights, community events, and light-hearted behind-the-scenes moments, but maintain professionalism through clean branding, proper grammar, a respectful tone, high-quality photos, and avoiding controversial or polarizing topics.
CB: Are there common mistakes in messaging that erode trust, even if a company has a strong online presence?
CW: Yes, common ones include inconsistent service descriptions, overpromising or vague guarantees, poorly written or unprofessional captions, ignoring negative reviews, posting only sales pitches, showing messy job sites without context, and using mismatched branding across platforms. Trust is fragile. Even minor inconsistencies can erode credibility.
CB: What advice would you give contractors who feel overwhelmed by the idea of “doing social media right?”
CW: Start simple, stay consistent, and think long term. You don’t need to be trendy or viral. You don’t need a professional camera. You don’t need a hundred ideas.
Focus on three things:
• Show up regularly;
• Stay on brand; and
• Be clear about what you do and who you serve.
Social media is just one piece of the brand puzzle, not the whole picture. It should support your business, not control it.
Remember, retrofit jobs often deliver higher margins than new installs and present strong value to customers now facing $20,000 system replacements.
How HVACR Contractors Can Adapt to Declining New Installation Sales
For more than a year now, new residential HVAC equipment sales in the U.S. have been in a steep decline, a rare event in the evergrowing HVAC market.
Virtually all major OEMs have seen their new equipment sales drop 20-40% compared with 2024.
Contractors in every part of the country are reporting the same thing: Sticker shock, increased regulatory complexity, and higher financing costs have combined to push homeowners toward repairing their old units rather than replacing them with new ones. The average American household simply can’t afford it.
For residential HVAC contractors, this shift represents something bigger than a slow season. It marks a structural change in how they pursue topline revenue over the medium-term future. The companies that can adapt quickly will be the ones still standing, and thriving, in 2026 and beyond.
New Equipment Sales Won’t Recover Any Time Soon
The slowdown in new equipment sales did not come out of nowhere. Multiple economic and regulatory
pressures have converged to make system replacement harder for homeowners to justify, even when their older unit fails.
For example, A2L refrigerant requirements have pushed manufacturers to redesign systems with additional safety technology, driving up production costs. Combined with SEER2 efficiency standards, most in-place split system components can no longer be replaced independently. A failed 2017 condenser, for example, now forces a full system changeout to remain compliant, which naturally comes with a far higher cost.
These changes have made equipment warranties problematic. A warranty may cover a new condenser, but not a compatible air handler, line set, or other required components, leaving homeowners facing a $10,000-plus bill even for a fully “covered” failure.
Now factor in much higher interest rates for financing, confusing and difficult to obtain rebates, and widespread refrigerant uncertainty. For most households, the math simply doesn’t work. New equipment costing $12,500-$20,000 cannot compete with a $500-$1,500 repair or a more thorough
$3,500 “retrofit” that gives the contractor more revenue at a higher margin, and the homeowner a longer-term fix.
Indicators across the industry point to a sustained, not necessarily cyclical, shift. Install volumes have fallen for multiple consecutive quarters, while parts sales and repair demand continue to rise. The repair vs. replace mix is changing, and it’s likely not changing back anytime soon. Fortunately, this change can be a source of real opportunity and clear competitive advantage for contractors able to pivot and adapt.
Service and Maintenance Calls Are The New Engine For Revenue
For HVAC contracting companies, the future lies in first-call resolutions, repair and retrofit expertise, and having a clear playbook on how to sell highermargin retrofit solutions. To win in this changing landscape, contractors must empower their service technicians with easily accessible technical data and the support needed to flourish in a “fix-it” and “make-it-better” environment.
The problem for most contractors is cultural… and more importantly, it’s technical. Techs have been taught for decades to push the new installation option(s) as the best solution, and, as a result, sales skills have been put ahead of technical skills. Most technicians now need a refresher course and technical support on how best to service and bring new life to aging equipment, a skill that used to be coveted by HVAC technicians.
For technicians to ramp up their repair skills, they need real-time access to equipment-specific tech support that can guide them from diagnosing the issue(s) to troubleshooting and repairing. This support needs to be instantly available and connected to brand-agnostic technical data, including age, key specs, manuals, wiring diagrams, part specs, part lists, and compatible replacement part options.
Today’s techs have the benefit of being connected to unique AI platforms that have been trained specifically to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC equipment. They also can gain access to historically hard-to-find technical data, including which parts are compatible with any given model. The techs who are given access to this type of data and support are far more likely to become highly proficient at performing repairs, getting them right the first time, and avoiding the margin-killing callbacks.
As technicians become empowered with technical data and support, they become capable of performing even complex repairs and sophisticated retrofits. However, they will also need to be taught how to sell a more comprehensive retrofit
versus a simple repair while communicating to the homeowner the value of a retrofit system with its increased efficiency and extended longevity, saving the homeowner substantial money.
Everyone wins: the customer with a system upgrade for a fraction of the cost of new equipment, and the contractor with a net margin that in some cases can exceed that of a new installation when properly executed.
How Should HVAC Contractors Adapt?
Today’s small and mid-sized HVAC contractors don’t need to blow up their existing business model, but they do need to evolve it.
The first step is to reorient technicians toward repair and retrofit sales. Most real service techs prefer fixing things over performing new installs anyway. To equip them for success, give them:
• Retrofit options priced attractively in the company price book;
• Clear value props to offer homeowners; and
• Tools that boost diagnostic confidence.
Remember, retrofit jobs often deliver higher margins than new installs and present strong value to customers now facing $20,000 system replacements.
About those diagnostic and support tools: Software solutions that unify guided tech support with model data, manuals, diagnostics, and parts compatibility are no longer a luxury. They are essential for maintaining profitability in a service-centered world.
Finally, contractors must ensure sufficient realtime, on-the-job training, particularly for younger techs. Technicians no longer have years of mentorship available. AI-driven diagnostic guidance, based on real support calls and equipment failures, gives techs confidence and accelerates skill formation.
Adapting to The New Normal in HVAC Contracting
New equipment sales aren’t going to rebound any time soon, but service and retrofit jobs can move from their “loss leader” status to a stable, durable source of high margin revenue. That’s only if contractors modernize how they diagnose issues, train techs and structure their service offerings.
The market is changing, and many of those changes are likely to be with us for many years. The contractors who adapt will own the next decade of HVAC service.
Peter Capuciati is the CEO of Bluon, a development of technology that empowers HVAC technicians with a proprietary AI platform that combines brand agnostic equipment + parts data, advanced diagnostics and real-time guided support. With decades of experience in the technical aspects of the built economy, he is focused on helping contractors thrive amid the industry’s shift toward servicedriven revenue. For more information, visit bluon.com.
Leveraging Cloud-Enabled Refrigeration Controls to Better Serve Customers
By Keith Gifford and Bill Merritt
The reliability and performance of refrigeration equipment has a big impact on the success of the businesses that rely on it. The financial impact of non-performing refrigeration equipment can be significant. In the food service and grocery industries, product loss alone can range from thousands of dollars and upward. In the pharmaceutical and medical supply industry, that amount can swell to hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Refrigeration controls with remote monitoring and A2L refrigerant leak sensing capabilities offer continuous, real-time visibility of refrigeration equipment health. Authorized users can view equipment performance data and trend analysis from any device connected to the internet, including a cell phone or
Businesses relying on refrigeration equipment that complies with industry standards, maintains system performance, and minimizes outages using cloud-enabled controls with A2L refrigerant leak detection and mitigation. Images courtesy of Penn Controls
tablet, and receive notifications if system parameters deviate from preset values. This level of awareness can keep refrigeration systems running in optimum condition, maintain A2L refrigerant leak detection compliance, and minimize outages and their substantial consequences.
Contractors who offer these advanced controls can deliver much greater value to the businesses they serve. In doing so, they can even shift customer relationships from the traditional install/ repair model to long-term, lifecycle partnerships.
Here are three ways contractors can gain a competitive advantage and grow their business by offering cloud-enabled refrigeration controls.
No. 1: Meet A2L Refrigerant Leak Detection Industry Standards with Confidence
After several years of industry preparation, commercial refrigeration equipment using A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants is now available in the market. Depending on the application, ASHRAE guidelines require many of these units to be equipped with an A2L refrigerant leak detection system (RDS). The latest refrigeration controls combine compliant A2L leak sensing capability with multistage temperature, humidity and/or pressure control.
Designed to monitor refrigerant leaks, leading A2L refrigerant sensors use speed-of-sound technology to quickly identify relatively low concentrations of refrigerant. Once sensors detect an A2L refrigerant leak that reaches the mandated limit, the activated control logic quickly starts the mitigation process. Mitigation includes turning on evaporator fans to disperse and dilute possible refrigerant concentration and closing isolation valves to prevent additional refrigerant leakage, as outlined by UL standards 60335-2-40 and 60335-2-89
Beyond A2L compliance, controls with refrigerant leak sensing capabilities can warn service technicians of system-related issues so they can address the problem, thereby minimizing system downtime and product loss.
No. 2: Accelerate Technician Response and Resolve Issues Faster
It’s not uncommon to roll a truck multiple times for a single issue with commercial refrigeration equipment: a visit to diagnose it,
The PENN System 550 from Johnson Controls provides single or multi-stage temperature, humidity and/or pressure control as well as A2L refrigerant leak sensing and mitigation.
another to address it. Cloud-enabled refrigeration controls provide visibility for contractors to roll a truck once, if at all.
Refrigeration systems equipped with remote monitoring and alarms provide real-time notifications when an issue occurs, allowing for proactive system troubleshooting. Technicians can review alarms and trend data in real-time to determine the severity of the issue and the appropriate response.
Utilizing two-way communication through cloud-enabled controls, technicians can immediately adjust control parameters, including setpoints, initiate a manual defrost and modify defrost cycles.
If an on-site service call is required, technicians can ensure that they have the necessary parts and tools to address the issue.
This informative, data-driven action is a win all around. It streamlines service calls, prepares technicians, and minimizes unplanned downtime and related costs for business owners.
No. 3: Create Open, Ongoing Communications That Best Serve Customer Interests
Often, the only time contractors hear from customers is during an emergency. Controls with remote monitoring and system alerts introduce a continuous dialogue designed to keep businesses running and reduce the total cost of system ownership.
Remote monitoring provides clear, real-time data to determine the timing and severity of maintenance, and, in some cases, the replacement of equipment. With around-the-clock awareness of system health and performance, customers and contractors can plan proactive service that prevents emergencies and extends system life.
As a result, customers can minimize equipment downtime and product loss, greatly benefiting their bottom line. Businesses directly serving people, such as grocery stores, also benefit from greater customer satisfaction, minimizing the risk of losing shoppers to competition.
In this way, incorporating cloud-enabled controls increases the value of mechanical service agreements and provides
Advanced refrigerant sensors, like the PENN GM200 series from Johnson Controls, use speed-of-sound technology to detect A2L refrigerant leaks.
measurable benefits that make them easier to sell. Over time, regular, positive service interactions can drive recurring revenue opportunities and strengthen customer relationships, forging trust that transforms a contractor into an appreciated advisor for future needs.
Provide Outstanding Value and Superior Support
Contractors who offer cloud-enabled refrigeration controls, inclusive of communicating A2L refrigerant leak sensors, are solidly positioned to better serve their customers. Major benefits include:
• Information available to discern between a refrigerant leak or A2L sensor issue Constant monitoring of refrigeration system health;
• Increase the value of service agreements;
• Minimize emergencies through proactive service and customer communications; and
• Reduce the time required to address equipment issues.
Combined, these benefits improve customer retention, increase profits, achieve business goals, and move contractors ahead of the competition.
For more information, visit www.penncontrols.com.
Keith Gifford is a senior product manager with PENN Controls, a Johnson Controls brand. In his role, he is responsible for the strategic direction of the PENN product line and commercialization of the Hitachi Scroll Compressor product line in North America. He has been with Johnson Controls for 12 years, rejoining the company in 2019. He held product management roles with Danfoss and Tecumseh Products Co. Gifford has been in the HVACR industry for 39 years.
Bill Merritt is the director of business development with PENN Controls, a Johnson Controls brand. In his role, he is responsible for Global Refrigeration Products (PENN controls and Hitachi scroll compressors.) He has been with Johnson Controls for over seven years. In previous roles, Merritt held senior positions with Tecumseh Products Co. and Allied Signal Corp./Honeywell. He has been in the HVACR industry for 38 years.
VAPOR-COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION CYCLE COMPONENTS:
How Compressors, Condensers, Metering Devices, and Evaporators Work Together
Last month, we revisited the fundamentals of refrigeration. That article established the thermodynamic foundation HVACR professionals rely on every day — how heat differs from temperature, why heat naturally moves from hot to cold, and how refrigerants exploit phase changes to absorb and reject large amounts of energy efficiently. It also introduced critical concepts such as saturation, superheat, and subcooling, which describe the refrigerant’s condition throughout the cycle. With those principles in place, this next article shifts the focus from theory to hardware, breaking down the key components that make the vaporcompression refrigeration cycle work in real-world HVACR systems.
Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle Components
As said before, there are four elements of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle:
• Increasing pressure
• Rejecting heat (+ condensing)
• Decreasing pressure
• Absorbing heat (+ vaporizing) Turns out that the four main components of the refrigerant circuit perform one of these functions each.
Increasing Pressure: Compressor
When people talk about the compressor, they often call it the heart of the refrigerant circuit. It’s actually quite an apt metaphor; the compressor pumps the refrigerant from the low-pressure side of the system to the high-pressure side, just
as your heart takes in oxygen-poor blood and pumps oxygen-rich blood. Just as there would be no blood circulation without the heart, there would also be no refrigeration without the compressor to provide that pressure differential.
Inside the compression chamber, the refrigerant is squeezed into a small space, such as via reciprocating pistons or oscillating scrolls. Squeezing molecules into a tight space raises the pressure, since they’re all colliding with each other and the walls of the compression chamber. Fitting all those molecules into a tighter space with all that collision will also make them move even faster, so the compressor raises the pressure and temperature at the same time.
When the refrigerant enters the
compressor, it’s a cool superheated vapor. When the refrigerant exits the compressor, it’s a hot, high-pressure superheated vapor, significantly hotter than the air around the compressor. Fig. 1
Rejecting Heat: Condenser
Once the hot, high-pressure vapor leaves the compressor, it travels to the condenser coil. The condensing unit has a fan that pushes air over the coil. This air is cooler than the refrigerant inside the coil, so, because heat moves from areas of higher temperature to lower temperature, the refrigerant gives off its heat to the air. If you hold your hand over a condensing unit while it’s running, you’ll notice that the discharge air is warm; that’s the heat being rejected from the refrigerant. That’s why we call the condenser the heat rejector.
As the condenser rejects heat, the refrigerant inside it goes through three main
stages as it condenses from a vapor to a liquid. In a typical finned-tube coil, those stages are as follows:
• Top rows: Desuperheating (100% vapor);
• Middle rows: Condensing (liquidvapor mixture); and
• Bottom rows: Subcooling (100% liquid). Fig. 2
The refrigerant enters the condenser as that hot, high-pressure superheated vapor from the compressor. The first several degrees of cooling will just reduce the temperature of that vapor until it reaches saturation and becomes a liquidvapor mixture (desuperheating ). Then, heat rejection will contribute entirely to changing the vapor-liquid mixture to a complete liquid (condensing ); there will be no drop in temperature. These phase changes take a lot more energy than just reducing the temperature, so this stage will take up the bulk of the space in the condenser. Even when the refrigerant becomes fully liquid, that liquid will still be warmer than the air around it, so the heat rejection that occurs in the bottom rows of the condenser will reduce the temperature of that liquid refrigerant in a process called subcooling
It’s also worth noting that ground and water-source heat pumps use a different type of heat exchanger, usually a plate or coaxial heat exchanger instead of a condensing coil, that forces air over it with a fan. The function is essentially the same; the heat is rejected from the refrigerant and absorbed by the earth or water. A secondary fluid, like water or glycol, might also be used in chiller applications.
Dropping Pressure: Metering Device
Even though the refrigerant has become a liquid and cooled down a lot, it’s still warm and at a relatively high pressure when it exits the condenser. In order to drop below the indoor temperature (or box temperature or whatever is being cooled), the pressure needs to drop. That’s where the metering device, the pressure dropper, comes in.
Dropping the pressure gives the liquid molecules more room to move, so they’re less tightly packed. A metering device achieves this by forcing the refrigerant through a small opening or restrictor; pressure backs up against the orifice on the inlet side and then is relieved on the outlet side, allowing the refrigerant to expand on that other side. During this process, the pressure drop also drops the boiling point of the refrigerant, so some of the faster-moving molecules will boil off right away; this is called “flash gas.” Fig. 3
There are a few different types of metering devices. There are fixed-orifice pistons, which are just chunks of brass with a small opening for refrigerant to flow through; in heat pumps, these can seat or unseat to allow refrigerant to flow through them or bypass them depending on the operating mode. Thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) are mechanical devices that modulate to maintain a specific superheat; a combination of opening and closing pressures determines the size
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Diagrams courtesy of Bryan Orr, HVAC School
of the opening. The opening force comes from a bulb mounted to the suction line, which contains refrigerant that expands or contracts with changes in temperature and applies more or less pressure accordingly.
Absorbing Heat: Evaporator
Once the refrigerant is cool and [mostly] liquid again, it’s ready to absorb heat! That’s where the evaporator, also known as our heat absorber, comes in.
Like the condenser, the evaporator is in a location where fans or a blower push air over its coils. The air is warmer than the refrigerant, so the refrigerant absorbs its heat. Since the air loses its heat, it can cool its enclosed space when it’s recirculated. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it doesn’t change temperature; that constant temperature is called the saturation temperature or evaporator temperature. Fig. 4
Instead of changing temperature, the refrigerant boils off in the bottom and middle rows of the evaporator. Again, we can move so much more heat by allowing that phase change to happen,
so we need to make sure we’re feeding the evaporator enough refrigerant to absorb as much heat as possible without having any liquid refrigerant come out and make it to the compressor. (That’s a bad day.)
Once the refrigerant has fully boiled off, it will be superheated, but it’ll still be cool enough to absorb some heat, though not as much as in its saturated state. Any heat absorption that happens when the refrigerant is 100% vapor will be sensible, meaning it will raise the refrigerant’s temperature and not contribute to boiling or any phase change.
Connecting the Components
The components don’t generally directly connect (except when the metering device feeds directly into the evaporator coil). They are connected by lines, all of which carry liquid OR vapor,and sometimes one that carries a liquid-vapor mixture. Fig. 5
Evaporator → Suction Line → Compressor: Superheated Vapor
Refrigerant entirely boils off in the evaporator and travels to the compressor via the suction line. As a result, the suction line is filled with superheated vapor, just like the discharge line. However, the superheated vapor in the suction line is much cooler than the vapor in the discharge line. Fig. 6
There may also be a temperature difference between the evaporator outlet and the compressor inlet, even though the suction line is insulated. We call the superheat measured at the evaporator outlet evaporator
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
superheat, and the superheat measured at the compressor inlet, you guessed it, compressor superheat.
Evaporator superheat can give you a better idea of how efficiently your system is moving heat; we want the number to be above zero, but lower values indicate higher efficiency. High superheat indicates that the refrigerant is boiling off quickly and moving a lot of sensible BTUs; it’s starving, often due to refrigerant undercharge or a restriction. On the opposite end, a lower evaporator superheat indicates that we’re feeding more refrigerant into the coil, so it has more room to boil off and move more heat from the air that passes over it. When the superheat is too low, that means we’re feeding too much refrigerant into the evaporator. This is the lowest superheat reading in the system.
We especially don’t want too low superheat at the compressor because that means we have a higher risk of liquid getting into the compression chamber. Liquid is nowhere near as compressible as vapor, and HVAC/R compressors can be damaged if they try to compress it. That’s why the compressor superheat is a useful reading; it tells us about our risk of flooding the compressor. A superheat of zero is very bad, as that means we definitely have liquid getting into the compression chamber, and premature failure is likely. The compressor superheat should be higher than the evaporator superheat, but it’s not the highest in the system.
Compressor → Discharge Line → Condenser: Superheated Vapor
The compressor is connected to the condenser by the discharge line. Since the compressor rapidly raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, the Refrigerant in this line is a very hot superheated vapor. This superheat will be the highest in the entire system. Fig. 7
Since we already measure superheat at the evaporator outlet and compressor inlet, we call this superheat reading our discharge superheat. Discharge line temperatures are usually taken about six inches out from the compressor outlet, and they can tell you about the oil inside the compressor. If the temperatures are too high, you could have oil breakdown, which will shorten the compressor’s life since the oil can’t lubricate the compressor properly.
Condenser → Liquid Line → Metering Device: Subcooled Liquid
After the refrigerant has become a liquid in the condenser and dropped a few degrees further, it enters the liquid line as a warm, relatively high-pressure, subcooled liquid. This liquid line is the
only line where we can measure subcooling, so whenever somebody says that we need to measure subcooling, they’re referring to the temperature of the liquid line below saturation. Fig. 8
Some refrigeration systems have a sight glass that tells you whether you have a full column of liquid (no bubbles, which indicates the presence of vapor); this feature is often used in lieu of subcooling, as both things can help us answer the same questions:
• Are we feeding the metering device(s) a full line of liquid?
• Are we stacking liquid in the condenser?
Both can tell us about the refrigerant charge or indicate possible restrictions in the system.
Metering Device → Expansion Line → Evaporator: Liquid-Vapor Mixture
In some cases, such as ductless mini-splits with an outdoor metering device and indoor evaporator(s), there will be a line between the metering device and evaporator called the expansion line. However, most traditional split systems have metering devices that feed straight into the evaporator coil and do not have this line. Fig. 9
Since the metering device rapidly drops the pressure and causes some of the liquid refrigerant to boil off right away, the refrigerant in the expansion line is a cool liquid-vapor mixture. Since we don’t want to absorb any heat in the expansion line, as that would reduce efficiency, this line will be insulated, just like the suction line.
Editor’s Note: Next month, Bryan Orr’s Back to Basics series will conclude, discussing heat pumps, pressure, and efficiency.
Bryan Orr is the president and co-founder of Kalos Services, a multi-trade contracting company in Central Florida. He started in the field and built Kalos from a twoperson HVAC shop into a large HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and construction team. He also founded HVACRSchool.com, a training platform and podcast used by techs across the industry. Orr focuses on solid processes, real technical skill, and developing the next generation of tradespeople while keeping the straightforward, field-driven values he learned on service calls.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 7
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool’s M18
Brushless Refrigerant Recovery Machine is designed for residential and light commercial technicians. The cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, Milwaukee enables a fully cordless workflow that optimizes speed and runtime for service calls.
Goodway Technologies
Goodway Technologies’ new line of descaling pump systems, PulseFlo, features the latest models, the GDS-200 and GDS400. PulseFlo systems are engineered for performance, safety, and mobility. Each unit features acid-proof pumps and fittings, an easy-to-reach on/off switch for enhanced operator safety, and a compact design for easier access to equipment and improved maneuverability.
By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximizes productivity. Kitted with Milwaukee’s M18 REDLITHIUM FORGEHD12.0 battery pack, the recovery machine transfers up to 10 pounds of refrigerant with optimized speed and runtime. Designed for modern refrigerants, the Recovery Machine is A2L compatible.
This solution is equipped with a daylight-readable LCD screen for visibility in any environment, allowing technicians to easily assess system levels. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, adjustable low-pressure shut-off and high-pressure shut-off points provide precise control during recovery. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations.
The M18 Brushless Refrigerant Recovery Machine is fully compatible with the entire M18 line. Kit Includes the M18 Brushless Refrigerant Recovery Machine; one M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery); one M18 & M12 Rapid Charger; and two Mesh Filter Screens. www.milwaukeetool.com
Greenheck
Greenheck’s HCDR line of round industrial control dampers has grown with the introduction of the HCDR-051. Designed to control airflow and provide tight shutoff in HVAC or industrial process control systems, the HCDR-051 is a light industrial model featuring a flanged-style frame with optional mounting holes for easy installation.
Solid flanges are welded around the circular frame, providing a rigid base that supports the butterfly-style blade. The HCDR-051 can withstand velocities up to 3,000 fpm, pressures up to 6 in. wg, and a temperature range of -40° F to 250° F, and exceeds AMCA Class 1A with leakage under 1 cfm/ft² at 1 in. wg. Available in sizes up to 24 inches in diameter, the HCDR-051 can be equipped with a variety of factory-installed actuators and optional features to meet specific application requirements. www.greenheck.com
The GDS-200 delivers a 50 gpm flow rate, ideal for cleaning systems between 50 and 500 gallons. Its builtin flow reversal valve allows operators to instantly switch flow direction, ensuring an even, thorough cleaning while helping prevent blockages. Plus, the integrated freshwater flush system makes post-cleaning rinsing and maintenance quick and easy.
The GDS-400 delivers a 95 gpm flow rate for larger-scale cleaning and compact design allows access to equipment in tight spaces. The 50-gallon vented tank and large-diameter hoses make it the ideal choice for applications handling 100 gallons and up.
The industrial descaling systems make cleaning and maintenance more efficient and impactful in applications such as boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, condensers, furnaces, steam generators, vacuum pumps and more. www.goodway.com
Q-PAC
Q-PAC released two new control panel options: the Fan-Only and Fused Disconnect solutions. These options join Q-PAC’s lineup of Basic and Premium Control Panels. Both the FanOnly and Fused Disconnect options are designed to maximize flexibility and compatibility. The Fan-Only option enables straightforward connection of the Q-PAC Multimotor Plenum Fan (MPF) to existing or third-party BMS controls, making it ideal for retrofits, upgrades, or cost-sensitive projects where a custom control strategy is desired. The design ensures optimal
performance with minimal effort for install by leveraging the Q-PAC Fan Controller’s single point of power and control. The power and controls from the BMS will land directly at a single connection point on the Fan Controller, which manages all motors together as one fan. The straightforward design allows for simple setup and quick installation.
The Fused Disconnect option provides essential local power isolation and fused protection for safety, while allowing the addition of custom or advanced control equipment as needed. Built for real-world reliability, Q-PAC offers Schneider’s VisiPacT fused safety switch; it serves as a dependable lockout line-ofsight disconnect, ensuring power can be safely isolated during daily operations and emergencies. Tested to triple the NEMA standard, this configuration provides robust, ready-to-deploy protection and a versatile foundation for broader system integration in demanding commercial and industrial environments. www.q-pac.com
RectorSeal
RectorSeal’s new Ghost Mini Pumps are a compact, whisperquiet line of condensate pumps for mini-split systems. Variablespeed control optimizes flow, the rotary diaphragm design delivers reliable, efficient movement, and the capacitive sensor ensures accurate water level measurement. All these features are complemented by an overflow switch for added reliability. Ghost Mini Pumps, so named for their quiet performance, are suitable for undermount and internal applications.
Designed for ductless mini-split applications, Ghost Mini Pumps deliver effective condensate management where space and sound matter most. Its compact size and vibration-dampening housing allow flexible placement inside or near indoor units, while its energy-efficient, continuous motor ensures reliable performance with minimal power consumption.
To support an effortless rollout, the Ghost series features like-for-like SKUs corresponding directly to the outgoing condensate pump models, making it a seamless transition to RectorSeal’s new in-house product line. This enables distributors and contractors to update inventory and streamline ordering easily. www.rectorseal.com
Shannon Global Energy Solutions
Shannon Global Energy Solutions launched the new Shannon Hydronic Insulation Shield, a reusable insulation solution engineered to reduce radiant heat loss and improve energy
efficiency across hot water and chilled water systems. Designed for valves and fittings operating at lower temperature ranges from 40° F to 190° F, the new system offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional hard insulation methods that are often damaged or discarded during routine maintenance.
Uninsulated or bare system components can create significant radiant heat loss, driving up energy costs and reducing overall system performance. In many facilities, rigid insulation must be removed to gain access for inspection or repairs, frequently resulting in waste and permanently uninsulated components. The Shannon Hydronic Insulation Shield combines energy savings with easy access, allowing maintenance teams to remove and re-install insulation quickly without compromising system efficiency.
Field tested and proven, the Hydronic Insulation Shield is suitable for a wide range of hydronic applications, including hot water-to-hot water systems, steam-to-hot water systems, and chilled water systems. This innovation in hydronics is well-suited for HVAC markets across commercial and industrial facilities, including manufacturing plants, hospitals, hotels, and hospitality environments where energy performance and reliability are critical. www.shannonglobalenergy.com
Watts Water Technologies
tekmar, a Watts brand, launched the new Smart Heat Pump Control System, designed to streamline the installation and operation of hydronic heat pump systems. This innovative controller offers flexibility and efficiency for residential and light commercial applications.
The Smart Heat Pump Control System operates up to four heat pumps in either 2-pipe or 4-pipe configurations, with the ability to expand control to 16 heat pumps through optional modules. It supports simultaneous heating and cooling of buffer tanks in 4-pipe systems and integrates seamlessly with a backup boiler loop using the tekmar Smart Boiler Control 294.
The Smart Heat Pump Control System delivers flexibility, scalability, and ease of use for modern hydronic systems. It works with most heat pumps and thermostats and can be expanded to manage up to 16 heat pumps using optional expansion modules. The controller also supports optional modules for mixing and diverting valves, enabling precise control of multiple zones and temperatures. Remote connectivity is built in through Nexa, allowing users to monitor performance, adjust settings, and receive alerts from any location via web or mobile. Installation is simplified with guided Setup and Commissioning Wizards, reducing complexity and saving time. Energy management features such as outdoor reset and programmable scheduling further enhance efficiency and reliability. watts.com
York
The YORK Sun Choice Dual Fuel Rooftop Unit combines a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace as a supplemental heat source to deliver efficient heating and cooling in light commercial applications.
When outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump’s operating range, the system transitions to the furnace as auxiliary backup heating. A backup heat setting enables the unit to engage either source of heat when the other source experiences lockout or failure, to ensure heat is provided in any condition.
The YORK Sun Choice rooftop unit features a direct-drive plenum fan that boosts efficiency, improves airflow, and simplifies service. Other features include optional hot gas reheat (HGRH), simplified controls, and a dual-circuit design for refrigerant that enables continued operation at 50% capacity on one circuit in the event of a leak or compressor issue on the other.
This unit is available in 12.5-25 tons. www.york.com
Lennox
The Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP99VK Gas Furnace is a high-efficiency residential heating system with an integrated Refrigerant Detection System (RDS). The product is designed to support efficient operation while simplifying installation for HVACR contractors.
The SLP99VK Gas Furnace achieves an efficiency rating of up to 99%, converting nearly all input energy into usable heat. The integrated RDS is built into the furnace cabinet, eliminating the need for a separate refrigerant detection installation kit and helping reduce overall installation costs.
High-efficiency operation supports reduced energy consumption in residential heating applications, and the product is dual-fuel compatible when paired with an electric heat pump to alternate between fuel sources based on weather conditions.
The SLP99VK Gas Furnace is also compatible with the Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat for system control, remote monitoring, and diagnostics, and designed to connect with the PureAir S Air Purification System and other Lennox filtration products. www.lennox.com
Trane
Trane introduced its new cost-effective, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly low-profile cold climate heat pump. This lowprofile heat pump offers an all-electric HVAC solution for the coldest climates, featuring a sleek design ideal for tighter spaces and zero lot lines. For those interested in dual fuel (hybrid) applications, it seamlessly integrates with other heating systems to provide additional warmth when needed. Ultimately, this heat pump ensures a warm and comfortable home environment specifically for the northern regions of the country with harsh winter conditions, while being more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
This heat pump can extract heat from the air in temperatures as low as -13° F, ensuring homes remain warm and comfortable throughout the winter. The compact and slim design of a lowprofile heat pump allows for installation in areas with limited space. This is particularly beneficial for homes with small yards, narrow side yards, or tight outdoor spaces. The Multi-Speed Low Profile Cold Climate Heat Pump will pair with dedicated Air Handlers for a fully electric solution and will have coil options for dual fuel (hybrid) applications. Additionally, this heat pump has the ability to reduce overall sound levels by up to 5 dBA.
www.trane.com
BAC
Baltimore Aircoil Company’s (BAC) new immersion cooling tank is designed for high-performance data centers. The tank is powered by CorTex technology and is engineered to deliver consistent performance with minimal maintenance. Its patented leak-free design has no penetrations below the fluid level, ensuring fluid integrity and system reliability. Dual pumps provide redundancy, while the sealed, filter-free configuration
simplifies operation and eliminates routine maintenance.
The tanks are now offered in multiple sizes—16RU, 32RU, 38RU, and 48RU—allowing data centers to maximize rack density and accommodate a wide range of immersion-ready servers. Air-cooled servers can also be retrofitted for immersion cooling. Designed to support server widths of 19” and 21” and depths up to 1200 mm, each tank meets diverse infrastructure needs while maintaining a compact footprint compared to traditional aircooled systems. The tank also helps deliver exceptional energy efficiency with a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of up to 1.05.
The tank uses dielectric fluid to carry heat from servers to the heat exchanger, while externally it supports water or waterglycol mixtures. The lid, cable entry points and heat exchanger connections are all fluid-tight, preventing contamination and ensuring system integrity.
BAC’s immersion cooling tank, powered by patented CorTex technology, is the indoor cooling solution of BAC’s COBALT immersion cooling system, which is a complete indoor and outdoor cooling system for high-density computing. baltimoreaircoil.com
Bosch Home Comfort
Bosch Home Comfort unveiled the 115V Modular Blower, a new electric replacement to gas furnaces, which can be paired with a Bosch Cased Coil and Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) outdoor unit to provide a 115V electric heat pump solution.
While many heat pumpcompatible air handlers require 240V breakers, the Bosch 115V Modular Blower can utilize the 115V/120V breaker sizes most frequently paired with furnaces—forgoing the need for electrical upgrades when switching from a gas-powered solution to an electric heat pump.
The Bosch 115V Modular Blower is available in cabinet sizes A through D, able to assume any space previously occupied with an industry standard-sized furnace with ease. The unit can be installed in a variety of positions—upflow, downflow, vertical, horizontal or left-right—promising flexibility that further simplifies the installation process. www.bosch-homecomfort.com/us
SALES CONTACTS
SOUTH & WEST: SENIOR MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Randy Jeter Office: 512-263-7280
Cell: 512-426-9145
Fax: 913-514-6628
rjeter@endeavorb2b.com
EAST COAST: SENIOR MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Brian Sack Cell: 732-629-1949
bsack@endeavorb2b.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER MIDWEST
Bill Boyadjis
973-829-0648
bboyadjis@endeavorb2b.com
CLASSIFIEDS/INSIDE SALES: MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Steve Suarez Cell: 816-588-7372 Office: 941-259-0867
ssuarez@endeavorb2b.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES, BUILDINGS & CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Joe Agron 941-200-4778
jagron@endeavorb2b.com
February doesn’t have to be a “slow month.” It just has to be a planned month.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves Every Season and Why They’re Wrong
It’s February. Are you feeling it yet?
The holidays are over. The “new year, new me” phase has run its course. Depending on where you live, the weather is probably gloomy. And let’s be honest, the first quarter in our industry can feel financially brutal.
For years, I dreaded February and March in business. They were my least favorite months. February is too short, and March feels like an eternity of no leads.
Sound familiar?
This year, I decided I’m done carrying around the same subconscious myths. Let’s stop believing the stories we tell ourselves… and stories the world tells us… about why we can’t hit our numbers.
Q1 (January–March)
Myth: “People have no money. It’s a short month. It’s shoulder season.”
You’ve heard all of these:
• January: “Everyone spent their money during the holidays.”
• February: “It’s too short—we can’t hit our goals.”
• March: “It’s shoulder season—nobody’s calling.”
I’m calling bologna. If people truly had no money, they wouldn’t be calling you to their home. Sometimes we forget one simple truth: they called us We didn’t knock on their door and insist on coming in. People often have the money; they just want to feel confident they’re spending it wisely.
Yes, February is short by one or two days. Can one or two days make or break a month? Absolutely. But the real question is: what are we doing ahead of time to prepare for that? February doesn’t have to be a “slow month.” It just has to be a planned month.
Lastly, if you go into March expecting the board to be light, it will be. If you go into March expecting to fill the board every day, you’ll fight for it. March is your time to go heavy on outbound. Get your whole team involved, especially your call center. This is the best time for competitions.Make it fun. Set daily goals. Create a scoreboard. Celebrate wins.
trips. The last thing on their mind is improving their home. But you can change that narrative.
This is the season to run promotions built around convenience and preparation. The messaging matters. Don’t sell them a project, sell them peace of mind. Let the stress of the school year end… not shift into the stress of an HVAC breakdown when it’s 95° outside.
Q3 (July–September)
Myth: “Vacation mode kills momentum.”
This is where consistency gets tested. We chose an industry where the “go time” happens during the season when vacations are everywhere. You overcome it by creating incentives for your team to work those hot months; keep the culture alive, don’t let summer become survival mode; and offer customer incentives for flexible scheduling. Small incentives reduce scheduling friction and help you protect your momentum.
Q4 (October–December)
Myth: “The holidays make everything harder, especially price objections.”
This is when price objections can skyrocket because people would rather spend money on gifts than on HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. Many are also still recovering financially from vacations.
This is where training becomes your secret weapon. Don’t wait until you’re hearing objections daily. Train your team relentlessly in Q4 on how to respond to price hesitation; how to eplain value clearly; and how to present options, not ultimatums.
And don’t underestimate the power of financing: even on repairs. It can keep projects moving, help you hit year-end targets, and give homeowners breathing room during an expensive season.
Final
Thought
Does any of this ring a bell?
Because if it does, you’re not alone. These myths show up every year and they spread fast inside a team.
Alyssa Rogers is vice president of Rogers Heating, Cooling, Electrical, with offices in Lynchburg and South Boston, Virginia.
Q2 (April–June)
Myth: “Everyone’s distracted—school’s out and nobody wants to spend.”
Spring is here. People start checking out mentally. They’re planning summer. Pool days. Beach
But here’s the good news: we can overcome all of it. And not with hope… with strategy, mindset, and leadership.
Share this with your team. Print it. Put it on the wall. And the next time you hear one of these myths coming out of someone’s mouth, point to it and say:
“We’ve heard this before… and we’ve got this.”
Like the Orion Constellation brightening the winter night sky, the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH+ Series stands out as a brilliant star for heating performance...even in the harshest climates. While others fade in extreme cold, Orion shines brighter, delivering more than 100% capacity even at -22°F.
• Beyond 100% Performance at -22°F – No derating, just powerful, consistent heating.
• No Lockout Temperature – Unlike other systems, Orion keeps running in relentless cold.
• ProCore™ Corrosion-Resistant Technology – Built to endure and perform.
• Flexible Installation – Designed for seamless integration into a variety of applications. The new Orion XLTH+…a star performer in extreme weather.
Orion XLTH+...the stellar performer in low-temperature heating.
» Simple, stylish single-module units from 6 – 20 T and dual-modules up to 40 T
» Space-saving 16 – 20 T single module units provide up to 34% footprint and up to 500 lbs./ unit weight reduction*
» High energy efficiency with IEERs up to 30.0 delivers up to 30% efficiency increase*
» Year-round comfort and energy savings with Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Temperature Technology (VRT)
» Heating down to -13°F as standard and high heating capacities at 17°F make it an ideal choice for all-electric heat pump solutions
» Dual-fuel ready with connectivity to Daikin communicating gas furnace or all-electric heat pump heating for optimized operational costs based on utility rates
» 208 / 230 or 460V
From the world’s #1 air conditioning company, discover the cloud connected benefits of VRV EMERION provided by Daikin’s HERO Cloud Services
* Model specific: Check product specifications for details.
Additional Information
Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy efficiency rating that is available from your retailer.
