Technology

ChatGPT ads to go performance-based
HVACPlumbingRoofing

ChatGPT ads to go performance-based

Advertisers would reportedly pay only when certain actions are taken, including appointment bookings

Avoca co-founders on a $1 billion valuation, tomorrow’s CSRs, and AI’s trust dilemma 
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Avoca co-founders on a $1 billion valuation, tomorrow’s CSRs, and AI’s trust dilemma 

In late April, the home services-focused AI company announced that it has raised over $125 million in funding since its 2022 inception, most recently clinching a $1 billion valuation

NYC program deploys plug-in power banks for window AC units
HVAC

NYC program deploys plug-in power banks for window AC units

CEO Andrew Wang told Homepros that the program launched last summer with 100 units and has expanded to roughly 1,000 this month

ChatGPT ads now open to local service businesses
HVACPlumbingRoofing

ChatGPT ads now open to local service businesses

Through a new self-serve Ads Manager, businesses can create and manage their own ad campaigns on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis

Microsoft, trade unions expand AI literacy push
HVACPlumbing

Microsoft, trade unions expand AI literacy push

The partners last week announced a slate of free AI literacy courses for the skilled trades, available on LinkedIn Learning

Report details heat pump water heater market’s mixed year
Plumbing

Report details heat pump water heater market’s mixed year

5 new residential manufacturers brought heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) to market in 2025, it notes, and the industry saw notable technological advancements

Thumbtack, Claude launch contractor hiring integration
HVACPlumbing

Thumbtack, Claude launch contractor hiring integration

As AI adoption skyrockets, marketplaces like Thumbtack are aiming to drive searchers to contractors

Google tests video in local search ads
HVACPlumbing

Google tests video in local search ads

“These video ads appear within the local pack — the map-based listings that show businesses near a user’s search”

Merino Energy launches $3,800 heat pump
HVAC

Merino Energy launches $3,800 heat pump

The ‘Merino Mono’ is a wall-mounted heat pump that can plug into a 120-volt outlet and be installed in an hour

Insurers should foot the bill for smart water devices, white paper suggests
Plumbing

Insurers should foot the bill for smart water devices, white paper suggests

Sales of smart water devices “represent a revenue opportunity of more than $160 million by 2030,” according to the paper