Seasonal service calls—whether for heating, cooling, or maintenance—create natural opportunities for HVAC contractors to talk with homeowners about high‑efficiency system upgrades. When customers are focused on comfort, reliability, and rising utility costs, they’re often more open to conversations about replacing aging equipment with more efficient solutions.

Rather than positioning efficiency as a technology upgrade, contractors can frame it as a long‑term suggestion that improves comfort, reduces operating costs, and increases system reliability. Emergency calls, maintenance visits, and renovation projects are especially effective moments to discuss replacement options. Clear explanations of energy savings, realistic payback expectations, and available rebates or incentives help build trust and support better decision‑making. The article emphasizes that successful upgrade conversations focus on education and value—not pressure—allowing contractors to strengthen customer relationships while supporting long‑term business growth. Click here to read more.

Many HVAC business owners rely on surface‑level marketing stats like leads or cost per lead, but those numbers don’t always reflect real results. This article explains why more meaningful metrics—such as cost per booked job, booking rates, revenue per lead, and customer lifetime value—provide a clearer picture of whether marketing efforts are truly paying off.

The piece also outlines realistic timelines for evaluating different types of marketing, from short‑term demand generation to long‑term brand building. It emphasizes the importance of tying marketing performance to call handling, sales processes, and customer experience, and highlights warning signs that may signal it’s time to rethink a campaign or partnership. For contractors, the central takeaway is that effective marketing must connect directly to booked work, revenue, and long‑term growth—not just activity metrics. Click here to read more.

Many organizations have already completed basic energy‑efficiency upgrades, but achieving long‑term carbon reduction goals has proven far more difficult. Ongoing challenges such as tight budgets, volatile energy prices, aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and workforce shortages continue to limit progress. The article explains that future gains will depend less on installing new equipment and more on improving how buildings and HVAC systems are operated, maintained, and monitored over time.

A key takeaway is the growing role of digital tools and data‑driven operations in sustaining performance. Continuous monitoring, condition‑based maintenance, and integrated workflows can help prevent efficiency degradation, extend equipment life, and reduce unexpected failures. By shifting from task‑based maintenance to outcome‑focused strategies, HVAC professionals can support energy performance, reliability, and resilience—making sustainability goals more achievable and maintainable. Click here to read more.

A recent HVAC industry podcast discusses how contractors can use data‑driven marketing to better target high‑value customers while controlling advertising costs. Instead of broad, expensive campaigns, the conversation highlights how more precise targeting—by location, service area, and customer demographics—can help contractors improve lead quality and reduce wasted spend.

The discussion also looks at newer marketing channels, such as targeted digital and streaming platforms, and how they can help smaller and mid‑sized HVAC companies remain competitive in crowded markets. The key takeaway for contractors is that smarter planning and tighter audience targeting can strengthen brand visibility, improve customer acquisition, and support growth heading into 2026. Click here to listen.

Commercial and institutional energy spend is shaped less by individual habits and more by upstream choices: envelope performance, code baselines, and—most critically—HVAC system design, controls, and maintenance. In new construction, budgets often target minimum code compliance, while in renovations, orientation, existing envelopes, and historic constraints limit how far upgrades can go. Lighting conversions to LED reduce both kWh and cooling loads, and water heating strategies (right-sizing, proximity, and tankless where appropriate) offer incremental savings.

HVAC remains the largest lever. Fan energy (air handler proximity), outside air treatment (ERVs/energy wheels), and pragmatic setpoints materially change operating costs. Boiler temps, filtration strategy (MERV vs. pressure drop/cost), and maintainability (filter access, serviceability of fan coils) affect both energy and lifecycle expense. Owners frequently disable poorly maintained recovery devices, sacrificing IAQ to cut costs—underscoring the need for designs that are efficient and maintainable. Bottom line: aligning design, controls, and O&M with real-world budgets delivers the biggest long‑term savings. Click here to read more.

The HVAC industry continues to face uncertainty surrounding the installation rules for R‑410A equipment as regulatory updates remain unresolved. Contractors and distributors are managing significant stranded inventory while awaiting clearer guidance from federal regulators on whether installation restrictions will be lifted or modified. Industry groups have urged policymakers to provide flexibility to avoid unnecessary financial losses and ensure a smoother transition to new refrigerants. In the meantime, the refrigerant shift, efficiency standards, and regulatory changes continue to shape planning, training, and purchasing decisions across the trade.

Looking forward, contractors are preparing for ongoing challenges but also identifying areas of opportunity. Service and repair work, electrification, and improvements in the housing market are expected to support demand. Many businesses are focusing on workforce development, A2L refrigerant training, and strengthening service‑focused models to stay competitive during the transition. Those who adapt to evolving requirements and invest in their teams and processes will be better positioned to navigate the changing landscape. Click here to read more. Source: Article by Peter Montana, Director, ACprosite.com

Nexstar Network has chosen to discontinue memberships for all private‑equity–backed companies, refocusing its resources on independent contractors and small to mid‑sized service businesses. Leadership states that the change is mission‑driven rather than financial, and the organization expects to maintain service levels, staffing, and stability moving forward.

This shift reflects broader trends in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries, where increased private equity involvement has reshaped portions of the market. Many members have responded positively, viewing the return to a contractor‑focused culture as strengthening Nexstar’s core purpose. The organization indicates that independent members should expect continued access to training, support, and resources aligned with its long‑standing mission.
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The start of a new year offers HVAC distributors and contractors an opportunity to reassess their business approach, reconnect with customers, and set meaningful goals. The article emphasizes the value of reviewing what worked in the previous year, understanding customer needs, and collaborating with them to plan for shared success. By staying aware of customers’ growth plans—whether expanding operations, hiring, adding trucks, or exploring new strategies—contractors and distributors can create more accurate budgets and develop clearer action plans for the year ahead.

The author also highlights the importance of adaptability and ongoing goal‑tracking. Instead of letting plans sit untouched, HVAC professionals are encouraged to revisit goals monthly, adjust strategies when needed, and actively communicate progress with customers and team members. Success, the article notes, comes from intentional planning, disciplined follow‑through, and staying proactive when market conditions or customer needs shift. The new year, it concludes, is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and aim for another strong season of growth.
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OSHA is preparing several rule updates for 2026 that will impact jobsite safety requirements across the mechanical and construction trades. Two areas especially relevant to HVAC contractors include the proposed national heat‑illness prevention standard and continued emphasis on silica exposure controls.

The heat‑illness standard is expected to require written procedures, access to shade and hydration, acclimatization protocols for new workers, and increased supervisor oversight—important for teams working on rooftops, outdoor condenser installations, and other high‑heat environments.

OSHA is also continuing strict enforcement around crystalline silica, particularly for tasks involving drilling, cutting, concrete pads, and demo work that HVAC crews may encounter on mechanical retrofits.

Contractors are encouraged to begin evaluating their safety programs now, updating training, reviewing PPE and engineering controls, and ensuring consistent practices across all crews and jobsites. Strong compliance can help prevent injuries, reduce workers’ compensation claims, and protect EMR ratings.

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