The positions will be “phased out” over the next three to 12 months, while more than 100 newly created positions have been posted
Yes, there’s an HVAC market for doghouses
It’s a “pretty recession-proof business,” says Ricky Jones of Blythe Woodworks
Home services M&A volume slows this year: Report
Capstone Partners counts 223 transactions announced or completed this year through July 27 across several residential service industries, down from 257 during the same period in 2025
HVAC buying indicator plunges, dragging down consumers’ economic views
An index measuring whether consumers think it’s a good or bad time to buy ‘major household items’ fell 18 percent month-over-month in October, the largest monthly decline in the past year
The hottest drink in roofing comes with a Tajín rim
The blue-collar cocktail is coming to a rooftop near you
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Economy
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HVAC buying indicator plunges, dragging down consumers’ economic views
An index measuring whether consumers think it’s a good or bad time to buy ‘major household items’ fell 18 percent month-over-month in October, the largest monthly decline in the past year
U.S. housing market stays stuck amid high rates
Both pending home sales and single-family housing starts fell in September, per data released this week
Heating demand to jump in West, fall in Northeast this winter: EIA
Meanwhile, “We assume temperatures in the Midwest and South are similar to last year,” the agency said
Yes, there’s an HVAC market for doghouses
It’s a “pretty recession-proof business,” says Ricky Jones of Blythe Woodworks
Report outlines what’s on plumbing manufacturers’ radar
Plumbing Manufacturers International’s (PMI) 2026 annual report profiled nine members adapting to trade turbulence and tighter water-related rules
NWS issues prelim November temperature outlook
Meanwhile, an analysis of heating degree day (HDD) data found that the past six Novembers have been warmer than normal
Legal
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Washington State, industry groups clash over proposed allowance of A3 refrigerants
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is considering a code change that could pave the way for European-style HVAC equipment to be installed in homes and businesses
HVAC manufacturers ask judge to toss price-fixing lawsuit
Plaintiffs are trying to “contrive a conspiracy from nothing more than ordinary business dealings,” the defendants argue
Q&A: What roofing contractors should know about insurer fraud
In conversation with Brad Quinn, executive director at the American Policyholders Association
Roofing company’s free speech case gets retrial in state court
Shamrock Roofing advertised post-storm services with phrases like “help you navigate the insurance red tape” — and sued when Iowa said it violated state codes
Lawmakers press for urgent release of low-income heating aid
LIHEAP assists roughly 6.7 million households a year with utility bills, weatherization projects, and HVAC repairs and replacements
DOE loosens rules for contractor training grants
Congress in 2022 earmarked $200 million in grants for state energy offices to fund contractor training on certain home energy-efficiency upgrades
M&A
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Home services M&A volume slows this year: Report
Capstone Partners counts 223 transactions announced or completed this year through July 27 across several residential service industries, down from 257 during the same period in 2025
Stronghouse Solutions’ private equity sponsor to hand control to creditors
The roofing platform is also searching for a new CEO
USA Hometown Experts nears majority sale to GHK Capital Partners
Formed in 2022 with backing from MSouth Equity Partners, the company has a footprint across seven southern states
Roto-Rooter buys its largest franchise for $60 million
The deal marks the company’s sixth franchise acquisition of this year
Watsco buys $500 million Northeast distributor with 82 locations
The deal marks the latest step in its buy-and-build strategy
Flint Group launches sale process
The residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform has tapped William Blair to run the process
Management
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Authority Brands to cut 125 positions in restructuring
The positions will be “phased out” over the next three to 12 months, while more than 100 newly created positions have been posted
Q&A: Charlie Goede, the 20-year-old plumbing apprentice who medaled at WorldSkills
WorldSkills contestant Charlie Goede on competing in China, young people and the future of the trades, and more
GRIT Foundation launches certified mentor program for youth trades camps
Teach skills using tools — and the Socratic method
‘Keep HVAC Local’ hats now support youth trades camps
A burgeoning coalition aims to support independent contractors across the country
Meet the Contractor: Mike Townsend, Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
A look inside his ultra-lean, AI-driven operation
Carrier, Watsco execs talk industry at California conference
Leaders of both companies sounded optimistic about the near term
Technology
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The hottest drink in roofing comes with a Tajín rim
The blue-collar cocktail is coming to a rooftop near you
How roofing contractors are putting AI to work
Notes and ideas from operators at ServiceTitan’s Pantheon conference
Tech firms’ hunt for data reaches HVAC, plumbing contractors
California-based micro1 pays Michigan HVAC company Vitality Mechanical a reported $1,000 per “labeling task”
Apple debuts smart home lineup, including two thermostats
The products were developed in partnership with LG and Schneider Electric
FORTIFIED roof designations will expire after 15 years
The above-code methods for storm-proofing roofs qualify for insurance discounts in several states
A dispatch from ServiceTitan’s Pantheon conference
Industry chatter and notes from the expo hall floor