Crime is a growing problem in many parts of the country, and now it’s affecting HVAC contractors as thieves steal tools out of work trucks, copper and other metals from the insite of HVAC units, and even the units and trucks themselves. A number of HVAC manufacturers joined the international effort early on to pressure Russia via economic sanctions back when the country first invaded Ukraine in February. Two have now decided to quit the country completely — Siemens and Rehau. Many manufacturers have been developing higher efficiency systems for a while, but the upcoming 2023 DOE efficiency standards, coupled with the onset of a pandemic and supply chain issues, have added a bit of pressure. As prices of HFCs continue to climb as a result of the AIM Act, the availability of them is also affected, which is predicted to hit food retailers particularly hard.