August 12 2024 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a deep dive into what’s causing a heat pump renaissance in Maine, details on JCI selling its residential and light commercial business to Bosch, updates on R-410A EPA rulings, how software can save contractors time and improve efficiency, a look at a new A2L grocery store, AI’s role in the back-office, temporary fixes to jumpstart refrigeration systems, wildfires and IAQ calls, why duct cleaning should be offered, troubleshooting a fan center, the “trades triathlon,” and the latest from SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Heat Pump Adoption Uptick in Maine

An HVAC Minute Video Update: August 6, 2024

Hannah Belloli

August 6, 2024

No Comments

Despite the arguments regarding the practicality of heat pumps in cold climates, residents of Maine have fully embraced them.

Johnson Controls to Sell Residential HVAC Business to Bosch

$8.1 billion sale is the biggest in Bosch history

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

July 23, 2024

2 Comments

JCI CEO plans transformation to ‘simpler, higher-growth company’

The R-410A Condensing Unit Conundrum

EPA is revisiting its rule that components can be manufactured indefinitely for service purposes

Joanna R. Turpin

August 6, 2024

2 Comments

EPA is revisiting a rule that would allow R-410A condensing units to be manufactured indefinitely to service existing equipment.

Grocery Store Features New A2L Refrigeration Technology

The modular FlexCube system uses R-454C and takes up no floor space

Joanna R. Turpin

August 13, 2024

No Comments

A New Hampshire grocer installed the innovative FlexCube refrigeration system, a modular technology using the A2L refrigerant R-454C, in his new store.

Artificial Intelligence is Taking on More Tasks, and This Can Help HVAC Office Workers Get More Done

AI and Back-Office ‘Superhumans’

Matt Jachman

August 13, 2024

No Comments

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is now able to handle many of an HVAC contractor’s administrative tasks, and also help employees perform their own tasks better.

Software Saves Times, Improves Efficiency for HVAC Contractors

Simply automating certain aspects of day-to-day operations allows focus elsewhere

Dylan Kurt

August 12, 2024

No Comments

Contractors can get more productivity from staff by letting software take care of the small things.

Protecting Homeowners Against Extreme Wildfires

Contractors have the solutions homeowners in affected areas need

Hannah Belloli

July 18, 2024

No Comments

In order to effectively help and protect their homeowners during these events, HVAC contractors have to observe, educate, and ask the right questions.

FROSTlines

Temporary Fixes Can Jumpstart a Refrigeration System

Workaround solutions can sometimes be used if repair components are not readily available

Joe Marchese

August 22, 2024

No Comments

Timely refrigeration repairs are crucial to avoid product loss; temporary fixes can sometimes keep systems running until parts arrive.

Why More HVAC Contractors Should Offer Duct Cleaning Services

A clean and well-maintained HVAC system can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs

Hannah Belloli

July 24, 2024

No Comments

Over time, dirt, dust, pet dander, debris, and more accumulate in air ducts. And since the HVAC system works basically as a whole-home vacuum, all of that is recirculated through homes when the HVAC system runs, unless the ducts are cleaned out.

Facts + Figures: AHRI Shipment Data for May 2024

July 23, 2024

No Comments

Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

Nuclear Power Gets a Boost with the Signing of the Advance Act

SMACNA-endorsed nuclear power bill becomes law

Austin Keating

July 11, 2024

No Comments

Law directs NRC to enhance preparedness for advanced reactor fuel and develop strategies for licensing microreactors.

Eiffel Tower Replica Erected Near Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

66-foot, 14,000-pound replica commissioned for the 9-day U.S. Olympic Swim Trials

Stacey Winconek

August 15, 2024

No Comments

The replica, which is made of angle iron, came together thanks to F.A. Wilhelm, who built the bottom section, Poynter, who built the second section, R.A.D. fabrication, who built the third section and Latinas Welding, who completed the fourth section.

America's Path to Energy Independence: The Role of Sustainability Incentives

Sustainability incentives are becoming a leading tool for reducing reliance on foreign fuels

Heidi Heitkamp

August 14, 2024

No Comments

Congress created the 179D deduction in the Internal Revenue Service Inflation Reduction Act to support businesses working on sustainability in large structures, and the 25C credit to support the average American household.

Battling Heat Stress and Ensuring Safety in Confined Spaces

Severe heat stress can result in confusion or unconsciousness

Mike McCullion

August 14, 2024

No Comments

Recent hot weather patterns indicate that as the global climate continues to warm, heat stress has become a critical concern across many industries including sheet metal and HVAC work.

De-risking the Labor Shortage: It’s all about Flow

Inefficient task assigning, data latency, and other challenges disrupt flow

Sandy Hamby

August 16, 2024

No Comments

Many people may find DLFO new and unfamiliar, but as many leading owners and construction firms have already discovered, its adoption is not difficult, and its undeniable benefits can come quickly with focused implementation.

Why More Insulation is Not Always the Answer

Take caution when burying insulated HVAC ducts in more insulation

Kristen White

August 14, 2024

No Comments

Remember to take your climate zone into account if you’re considering burying insulated flexible ducts so you don’t create future problems with moisture.

Manufacturers Warn of Tax Crisis as 2017 Reforms are Set to Expire

With the tax depreciation bonus falling from 100% in 2017 to 20% in 2026, and other reforms set to expire in 2025, manufacturers are calling for aid

Austin Keating

July 19, 2024

No Comments

Historically having a high tax rate on manufacturing relative to the rest of the world, the 2017 tax reforms temporarily stimulated the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Industry Honors Excellence at St. Louis Conference

A member of SMART Local 19 in Philadelphia becomes the 21st inductee to the TABB Hall of Fame

Austin Keating

August 19, 2024

No Comments

Matt Sano, a member of SMART Local 19 in Philadelphia, is the 21st inductee and the third from his local to receive the honor.

How a Fan Center Works

Understanding the basics key to troubleshooting older furnaces

Lianna Schwalenberg

July 13, 2024

No Comments

For technicians who run across older furnaces where air conditioners were later added, it pays to know how a fan center operates.

The HVAC Trades Triathlon

You’re in the race — Is your team positioned to win?

July 23, 2024

No Comments

When it comes to running a successful trades business, much like competing in a triathlon, there are three key elements a contractor needs to focus on.

Report: Heat Pump Market to More Than Double by 2031

July 29, 2024

No Comments

The Verified Market Research Report shows that the heat pump market is valued at $74.73 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $167.32 billion by 2031.

Webco Industries Dedicates New Campus, Tech Center

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

July 12, 2024

No Comments

The Tech Center offers space for cross-team collaborative work and a view of the Arkansas River with downtown Tulsa in the distance.

Carrier and Bryant Distributors Invest More than $500,000 in Scholarships

July 8, 2024

No Comments

Carrier and Bryant have announced the recipients of the Distributors’ Education Foundation scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - August 12, 2024

August 12, 2024

No Comments

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

During this webinar, we will discuss what acidic condensate is, how it’s formed, and the damage it can cause if not properly treated—while hitting on the latest regulations that are driving the adoption of condensing technology.

On Demand Use the power of AI to your advantage to book more jobs and gain more operational efficiencies during busy season this year! See how an AI Employee can help you save time by qualifying every lead for you, automatically responding to incoming leads, and working overtime so you don’t have to.

ACHR NEWS

2024 August 12

Cover Story

Heat Pump Adoption Uptick in Maine

Johnson Controls to Sell Residential HVAC Business to Bosch

Feature Articles

The R-410A Condensing Unit Conundrum

Grocery Store Features New A2L Refrigeration Technology

Artificial Intelligence is Taking on More Tasks, and This Can Help HVAC Office Workers Get More Done

Software Saves Times, Improves Efficiency for HVAC Contractors

Protecting Homeowners Against Extreme Wildfires

Temporary Fixes Can Jumpstart a Refrigeration System

Why More HVAC Contractors Should Offer Duct Cleaning Services

Facts + Figures: AHRI Shipment Data for May 2024

SNIPS NEWS

Nuclear Power Gets a Boost with the Signing of the Advance Act

Eiffel Tower Replica Erected Near Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

America's Path to Energy Independence: The Role of Sustainability Incentives

Battling Heat Stress and Ensuring Safety in Confined Spaces

De-risking the Labor Shortage: It’s all about Flow

Why More Insulation is Not Always the Answer

Manufacturers Warn of Tax Crisis as 2017 Reforms are Set to Expire

Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Industry Honors Excellence at St. Louis Conference

Columns

How a Fan Center Works

The HVAC Trades Triathlon

Newsline

Report: Heat Pump Market to More Than Double by 2031

Webco Industries Dedicates New Campus, Tech Center

Carrier and Bryant Distributors Invest More than $500,000 in Scholarships

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - August 12, 2024

Sign Up. Stay Informed.

The #1 trusted source for the HVACR industry since 1926