We asked four HVACR distribution executives for their thoughts on a variety of topics impacting a rapidly changing industry. Here’s what they had to say.

The Distribution Trends Top 30 is a multipart, multipage feature in which we rank HVACR distributors; spotlight the achievements at other, smaller firms; and give voice to the comments and concerns wholesalers have about the rapidly changing HVACR market.

His jacket was emblazoned with the logo of a manufacturer of high-performing heat pumps, but when I mentioned that we were thinking of getting one, the tech shot down the idea.

Josh Crouch and Tersh Blissett, who have HVAC backgrounds, say AI can be employed in an answering service or a chatbot, for outbound dialing, as a technician’s assistant, or to respond to customers’ online reviews.

Decarbonization and electrification, the refrigerant transition, and incentives were big topics among geothermal companies at the AHR Expo. Consumer education and ease of product serviceability were also discussed.

At the AHR Expo in Chicago, we talked industry trends with the representatives of five ductless/VRF manufacturers. The refrigerant changeover was a big topic.

Cleaner indoor air means healthier building occupants who perform better and are more productive. Here are five products that improve IAQ in the places where people work, shop, and play.

 “Technology’s not going to solve everything, but you need to know how to use it,” Nelson Valderrama, CEO of Intuilize, told HVACR distribution professionals during the recent Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International conference.

California, New Mexico, New York, and Hawaii are the first states to apply for federal rebate money for high-efficiency equipment. Twenty-three states have received funding to set up and manage rebate programs.

As the federal government plans millions in grant funding to boost heat-pump manufacturing in the U.S., a big player in the market as well as a newcomer are thrilled with the opportunity.