October’s most popular stories

As turkey season begins, here’s a look at our five most-read stories from October:

HVAC shipments tumble 30% in August. “U.S. combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps in August fell 30 percent year-over-year, according to AHRI data… The release marks the third consecutive month when shipments declined by more than 20 percent year-over-year.” (Full story)

Wrench Group CMO on navigating the AI era. “When people see that paid social advertising isn’t delivering measurable leads, they want to throw it out. My point of view is that social is a mid- to top-of-funnel activity in our space. It’s not a lead driver…. You’re planting a seed just like you’re planting a seed as they drive by a billboard. It just so happens to be digital delivery.” (Full story)

Carrier’s battery-enabled HVAC bet takes shape. “Carrier is currently testing residential HVAC systems with attached batteries that can draw and store power when electricity demand is low, and then use that energy to run the systems later, when demand is high… Field trials have begun across the U.S., with installations completed in 15 homes to date.” (Full story)

ChatGPT enters home services with Thumbtack partnership. “Home services platform Thumbtack, which helps consumers find and connect with contractors, is among the first companies to develop an app that will work directly within ChatGPT… The move comes amid a shift in consumer search behavior, with ChatGPT — though still a ways away from Google — counting 800 million weekly active users.” (Full story)

Kelso Industries CEO on building a $1.2 billion commercial HVAC business. “What I feel is great about [commercial] is that once you get to a certain size, you mitigate a lot of risk. So a new entrant is taking on massive risk, but at a certain point, our business becomes more like the S&P 500, instead of a business where one job could take it down.” (Full story)