In recent years, the cost of HVAC equipment has increased significantly, driven by factors that include rising raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, higher consumer demand, and labor shortages. Regulatory changes are also a factor, as stricter environmental rules have necessitated the adoption of new low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies, which are often more expensive… read more

Electrical, mechanical, sheet metal and air conditioning associations all are joining forces to present and promote a unified industry front. WASHINGTON, DC (July 10, 2024) – In a landmark event, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The… read more

Modern building systems must support devices from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Here are some best practices to make that all work. The expectations for smart buildings are rapidly evolving in response to market and technology changes. Customers are demanding more from their connected HVAC systems. Drivers including cybersecurity, integration potential, accessibility, and remote serviceability are… read more

Overall market strength boosted by steep rise in energy work, as housing starts continue to gain momentum. BEDFORD, MA — June 20, 2024 — Total construction starts rose 10% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.24 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding starts gained an impressive 49% during the month, driven… read more

Intelligent systems can increase customer satisfaction, meaning more referrals for contractors The advent of smart home technology has revolutionized the way homeowners interact with their living spaces. And it will likely continue, as home automation is expanding in just about every area, from lighting to security to HVAC, offering residents unprecedented levels of convenience and… read more

Spending in April slipped slightly, but remained well above its level a year ago, according to new government data. WASHINGTON, June 3—Nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.3% in April, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.2 trillion, still well above where it was a… read more

Malco to provide tools to be used in championship skills-testing event, highlighting top tradespeople from across the US Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC trade, announced today that it is partnering with the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series (ETCS) to sponsor… read more

OEMs predict that prices will continue to increase on both A2L and R-410A systems In recent years, the cost of HVAC equipment has increased significantly, driven by factors that include rising raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, higher consumer demand, and labor shortages. Regulatory changes are also a factor, as stricter environmental rules have necessitated… read more

Business processes are challenged across the board with advancing technology. For HVAC contractors the list is long. Of course, new AI applications are in everything from accounting to truck routing abound. But, increases in machine intelligence are not always so abstract. In fact, for many instances, the solution to better technology is in the contractor’s… read more

DULLES, Va. — HVAC manufacturer Ecoer Inc. has signed a distribution partnership agreement with Star AC Supply of Arlington, Texas, an HVAC distributor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Star is a wholesale distributor of heating and air conditioning equipment, replacement parts, and installation supplies, and services air-conditioning contractors in North Texas. The partnership aims to… read more