HVAC tech awarded $75 million in lawsuit
A Michigan jury this week delivered a record-breaking verdict, following an R-22 explosion that cost an HVAC tech most of his hands
$13 billion proposal would double funding that supports the trades
An Illinois congressman in early June called for the doubling of federal funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide
The Senate's version of the 'big, beautiful bill' deals a key blow to the HVAC industry, but maintains some contractor-friendly proposals
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Economy
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HVAC tech awarded $75 million in lawsuit
A Michigan jury this week delivered a record-breaking verdict, following an R-22 explosion that cost an HVAC tech most of his hands
HVAC enrollment at vocational schools jumps 29%
Over 25,000 students were enrolled in HVAC-specific programs at U.S. vocational schools this spring, according to new data
HVAC shipments rebound in April, up 5.5% year-to-date
Combined shipments of central air conditioners and heat pumps rose slightly in April, compared to last year, according to new AHRI data
HVAC industry enters era of ‘accelerated change’: Report
A roundup of highlights from a 13-page industry report published on Wednesday, covering market trends, private equity, and challenges ahead
Legal
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$13 billion proposal would double funding that supports the trades
An Illinois congressman in early June called for the doubling of federal funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide
Senate releases ‘big, beautiful bill’: A mixed bag for contractors
The Senate's version of the 'big, beautiful bill' deals a key blow to the HVAC industry, but maintains some contractor-friendly proposals
Trade groups tell Congress: Don’t touch Energy Star
Following recent reports that Energy Star could be shut down or privatized, over 30 trade groups this week sent a clear message to Congress
Lawmakers move to protect low-income HVAC program
A bipartisan set of lawmakers on Monday introduced a bill to protect a $4 billion HVAC program, as the Trump administration eyes cutting it
M&A
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Rheem parent moves forward with Fujitsu HVAC acquisition
The company has completed its tender offer for Fujitsu's HVAC subsidiary, nearly five months after announcing the deal
Columbia Home Services, P1 Service Group near merger
The deal will mark the third platform-level HVAC transaction this year, and represents the first true merger between established groups
Air Pros lines up buyers in bankruptcy case, docs show
The company has designated successful bidders for each of its business units, as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, per court records
Redwood Services to land majority investment in $1.1 billion deal
The company is set to receive a majority investment from Toronto-based Altas Partners, according to people familiar with the matter
Management
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Behind Service Experts’ equipment leasing approach
A conversation about the economics of leasing HVAC systems, positioning the model to customers, and the barriers to broad U.S. adoption
Haller Enterprises president on shifting technicians across divisions
A conversation about shifting technicians across residential and commercial divisions, the org chart that supports the model, and more
Inside MAX Service Group’s cinematic approach to advertising
A conversation, fresh off winning two advertising awards, about the company's video strategy, production logistics, and more
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
Technology
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Google launches AI search ads
The company on Wednesday announced that it will broaden the surface area in which contractors can reach new customers
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