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
As the House and Senate begin negotiating a unified federal budget plan, several developments impacting contractors are up for discussion
Both companies reported Q1 earnings this week, with their CEOs commenting on A2L sales, R-454B issues, tariffs, and consumer trends
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Economy
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The deals mark the second Northeast-focused distributor acquisition announced within the past 30 days
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
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 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
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
A new administration, an OEM acquisition, and a couple technology developments
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
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
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
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
OpenAI, ChatGPT's parent company, on Thursday rolled out a feature that can find, message, and hire contractors on consumers' behalf