HVAC technology continues to change the way we live. The latest developments allow you to control your heating and cooling systems with just a tap on a phone app.
These publications offer news and updates on everything from new equipment to industry trends. You can subscribe to these publications to get them delivered to your door or read them online.
1. HVAC Insider
The HVAC industry is constantly growing to meet consumer demands and improve air quality. This includes innovations in energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as new technology that allows for smarter heating and cooling. These advancements have made the HVAC industry more competitive and have driven demand for HVAC services.
Global air conditioning energy demand is expected to almost double by 2050. The increased energy use leads to higher carbon dioxide emissions, which is contributing to climate change. However, innovative HVAC technologies are being developed to reduce energy usage and emissions by using alternative fuels like natural gas.
Another important piece of news for HVAC professionals to keep an eye on is the latest regulations. The latest changes include requirements for HVAC equipment to be labelled with SEER ratings and rules about F-gases. Field techs need to be aware of these changes and ensure that they can still find parts for existing systems. They also need to understand which units are coming out next year that will meet the new minimum standards.
2. ACHR News
The leading trade magazine in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, ACHR News provides readers with energy management solutions, HVAC equipment and component selections, refrigeration, refrigerants and much more. ACHR News is a valuable resource for industry professionals, contractors and parts and supply wholesalers.
A monthly eNewsletter from the editors of ACHR News that delivers editorial commentary, content and resources for HVACR distribution businesses. Features a variety of diagnostic, troubleshooting and how-to articles that will benefit even the most seasoned contractors and technicians.
During the pandemic, many consumers changed their buying habits, including seeking bids for their jobs online instead of inviting two or three HVAC contractors to come by. This is a trend that is expected to continue as customers become more comfortable with shopping for services in the digital age.
Dena Jalbert, founder & CEO of Align Business Advisory Services, joins the podcast to discuss her company’s role in helping contractors find the right time to sell their businesses. Also, Trapper Barnes, owner of Infinity Texas Air and an ACCA Top 40 Under 40 winner, talks about his journey in the industry and mentorship with his younger workers.
3. Builder
Keeping up with HVAC business management trends can give you a competitive advantage. For example, early adopters of tech like CRM apps found that they could streamline their whole process and clients noticed that calls were answered and returned faster and scheduling was more accurate.
Eco-friendly HVAC innovations can boost your sustainability drive and help customers save money on energy costs. For instance, sensor-enhanced vents let customers digitally control the climate of a room or the entire home using mobile apps. Software like Energy Analysis can also be used by technicians to make an upfront cost-benefit analysis before installations.
HVAC sustainability is becoming a bigger focus for the industry as new refrigerant regulations take effect. For example, air conditioning systems must meet new minimum SEER ratings as of 2023 and be designed with A2L refrigerant. This new refrigerant has a lower GWP and is mildly flammable. Keeping up with the latest trends and regulations will help you prepare your customers and make sure that your company is compliant.
4. Contracting Business
As Covid-19 restrictions end, HVAC contractors are gearing up for a busy year. They are offering new services like energy-saving system upgrades, smart thermostats, and energy monitoring software to help customers save money on heating bills and improve their carbon footprint. In addition, HVAC contractors are using virtual reality technology to train field technicians. This allows them to practice their troubleshooting skills and get ready for new equipment and certification exams.
In addition to reducing energy usage, HVAC companies are developing eco-friendly technologies like smart systems that can detect potential problems before they become an emergency. These innovations can also help homeowners monitor their energy usage and make adjustments to reduce their overall energy bill.
Another trend is the emergence of HVAC field device studies, such as BSRIA’s latest commercial boiler study and upcoming US market size and trends study in 2023. These new studies can provide a wealth of information for building professionals. Additionally, HVAC business software like Housecall Pro is helping companies stay competitive by providing online invoicing and customer support.
5. NATE
NATE, or North American Technician Excellence, is the organization that works to ensure homeowners can count on their HVAC technicians. It accomplishes this by making sure technicians have the skills and expertise necessary to do the job right the first time.
NATE certification requires that technicians pass a core test, depending on their career path (service or installation), as well as specialized exams. In addition, they must also put their knowledge to work on the job. As a result, technicians that hold NATE certification have real-world knowledge and are considered industry experts.
NATE also has a new training platform that helps technicians prepare for their tests and get on the career track. It has already launched courses for two of the CHP-5 exams, with more to come in the coming months. If you are in the market for HVAC services, ask friends and family for recommendations, or check to see if the company you’re considering has NATE certification. You can even look for the small house icon to confirm that a technician has NATE certification.
6. Women in HVACR Newsletter
Amid the enormous labor shortage, women are stepping up to assume many positions beyond office work. Throughout the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry, they are proving themselves to be excellent technicians, service managers, sales people and more. This growing role is reflected in the rapid growth of Women in HVACR, a non-profit organization that connects females in the industry and provides education, mentoring, networking and more.
The organization offers scholarships to help pay for technical training, and it helps women find jobs through a partnership with NAWIC. Members can also connect with others in the field through social media and bi-weekly Zoom video conference calls. Women in HVACR also hosts an annual conference.
Those interested in learning more about the group can subscribe to its newsletter, which features articles about career opportunities for female contractors and highlights stories of women who have made their mark on the HVACR industry. It also covers topics like new accreditation programs and the latest technology about to hit the market. The group also has a subreddit where users can share their experiences in the field and discuss the latest trends and developments.
7. Reddit
A growing number of HVAC professionals are turning to online forums such as Reddit for professional advice and guidance. Some of the latest HVAC news and updates to watch for include new accreditation programs, industry events, trends, tips, tech, grand openings and more. Staying aware of these developments can help a contractor keep their clients in the know, improve their service and offer the best technology available.
The company’s battle with its users over API pricing echoes how Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk’s X, sparked an uproar among third-party app makers and misinformation researchers when it put a paywall on data access. The move by Reddit’s CEO Steve Huffman is part of a wider debate about how social networks create value and whose data they use.
Huffman has defended his moves by saying that Reddit needs to be self-sustaining as it prepares for an IPO. He argues that operating the platform, safeguarding the content and charging for API access generates value that the company should be allowed to keep.
8. Smart Service
As the economy grows, homeowners are turning to smart HVAC technology to lower their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as new rules regarding energy efficiency become effective for all air conditioning units. This will require home and business owners to invest in a more efficient unit that meets the minimum SEER standards.
Additionally, the green energy revolution is boosting eco-friendly HVAC innovations as well. This includes smart vents that allow customers to digitally control the temperature of a space. It’s also causing eco-friendly builders to use a green building strategy to ensure that their buildings are using minimal energy to heat and cool the spaces.
Keeping up with the latest tech trends in HVAC can help your company grow faster. For example, early adopters of business management apps enjoyed a significant competitive advantage when these tools first came on the market, as clients noticed that their calls were answered and returned quickly and technicians were able to schedule and invoice work easily. If you want to improve your productivity and stay ahead of the competition, consider using HVAC equipment software like Housecall Pro to automate billing and scheduling.