Google tweaks Local Services Ads, will analyze calls to collect contractors’ pricing info

Google tweaks Local Services Ads, will analyze calls to collect contractors’ pricing info

The company published a new set of terms, giving it the right to analyze all data within LSA profiles, including phone calls, per an email

Congress kicks off budget talks with HVAC incentives on the table

Congress kicks off budget talks with HVAC incentives on the table

As the House and Senate begin negotiating a unified federal budget plan, several developments impacting contractors are up for discussion

Economy

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Lennox, Watsco CEOs: A2L sales accelerating, R-454B issues temporary

Lennox, Watsco CEOs: A2L sales accelerating, R-454B issues temporary

Both companies reported Q1 earnings this week, with their CEOs commenting on A2L sales, R-454B issues, tariffs, and consumer trends

Contractors split over how suppliers should handle tariff costs, survey finds

Contractors split over how suppliers should handle tariff costs, survey finds

A division exists among contractors on how distributors and manufacturers should pass on tariff costs, according to a survey

Mapped: 10 years of U.S. cooling demand

Mapped: 10 years of U.S. cooling demand

Despite a rise in global temperatures, U.S. cooling demand trended downward between 2015 and 2024, according to national weather data

Honeywell, Chemours hike R-454B prices

Honeywell, Chemours hike R-454B prices

The two companies have increased prices for their R-454B products, impacting both open and new orders

Legal

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Congress kicks off budget talks with HVAC incentives on the table

Congress kicks off budget talks with HVAC incentives on the table

As the House and Senate begin negotiating a unified federal budget plan, several developments impacting contractors are up for discussion

“Contractors need to get involved,” says ACCA’s new chair

“Contractors need to get involved,” says ACCA’s new chair

A conversation with ACCA's new chair about navigating industry changes, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and more

Department of Energy ordered to unfreeze IRA funds

Department of Energy ordered to unfreeze IRA funds

A Rhode Island judge on Tuesday said that President Trump's IRA funding freeze, which includes HVAC rebates, was arbitrary and unreasonable

Republicans defend Inflation Reduction Act as budget talks begin

Republicans defend Inflation Reduction Act as budget talks begin

As Congress begins ironing out the federal budget plan, several Republicans are advocating for a "thoughtful" approach to any IRA changes

M&A

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Merger forms major Midwest HVAC distributor

Merger forms major Midwest HVAC distributor

Two distributors last week announced a merger, forming the Midwest's largest independent wholesaler of Johnson Controls equipment

HVAC distributor acquires Coastal Supply, RJ Murray

HVAC distributor acquires Coastal Supply, RJ Murray

The deals mark the second Northeast-focused distributor acquisition announced within the past 30 days

Koch Air acquires Standard Air, expands into Northeast

Koch Air acquires Standard Air, expands into Northeast

The acquisition adds to Koch Air's business four locations serving contractors across Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

HVAC investors eye M&A uptick in 2025

HVAC investors eye M&A uptick in 2025

Following a period of high interest rates and economic uncertainty, the HVAC investor community is optimistic about this year

Management

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Organic lead volume pops 26% in Q1, analysis shows

Organic lead volume pops 26% in Q1, analysis shows

Organic lead volume and average tickets grew in Q1, while customer acquisition costs fell, per an analysis of 100 contractors' marketing data

Google’s ‘AI Overviews’ halve click-through rates in 2024

Google’s ‘AI Overviews’ halve click-through rates in 2024

For searches triggering AI Overviews in 2024, organic click-through rates were cut by more than half, according to a new analysis

Our most-read stories of January

Our most-read stories of January

A new administration, an OEM acquisition, and a couple technology developments

Contractors can still market on TikTok — for now

Contractors can still market on TikTok — for now

The popular social media app's fate in the U.S. remains in question, following a temporary shutdown on January 18

Technology

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Google tweaks Local Services Ads, will analyze calls to collect contractors’ pricing info

Google tweaks Local Services Ads, will analyze calls to collect contractors’ pricing info

The company published a new set of terms, giving it the right to analyze all data within LSA profiles, including phone calls, per an email

Google launches AI-powered Q&A on contractors’ Business Profiles

Google launches AI-powered Q&A on contractors’ Business Profiles

The company has started rolling out a new feature that lets consumers ask specific questions about contractors when viewing Business Profiles

AI firms are coming for contractors’ ad dollars — but have a long way to go

AI firms are coming for contractors’ ad dollars — but have a long way to go

While several AI-powered search engines appear to pose a threat to Google, data shows the gap remains miles wide

ChatGPT’s parent company eyes home services

ChatGPT’s parent company eyes home services

OpenAI, ChatGPT's parent company, on Thursday rolled out a feature that can find, message, and hire contractors on consumers' behalf