Our most-read stories of March

With another month — and one quarter — down, here’s a look at our five most-read stories from March:

EPA ‘reconsiders’ refrigerant rule — but nothing has changed yet

“The EPA announced what it’s calling the ‘biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history,’ stating that it’s reconsidering dozens of existing rules to ‘roll back trillions in regulatory costs.’ One of the rules under review is the ‘technology transitions’ rule, a key part of the HVAC industry’s refrigerant transition.” 

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Inside Air Pros’ bankruptcy filing

“HVAC platform Air Pros filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Northern District of Georgia, as part of a year-long restructuring effort, according to public court records… In conjunction with the filing, the company announced that it’s selling all of its businesses via six separate purchase agreements.” 

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States pause HVAC rebates following Trump funding freeze

“Several states have stopped disbursing HVAC-related consumer rebates amid a federal funding freeze affecting the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), CNBC reported… While over 20 states have filed a lawsuit against the administration… Arizona, California, Colorado, and Rhode Island have suspended their rebate programs in response.” 

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Inside Ace Hardware’s bet on home services

“100-year-old Ace Hardware in 2023 made a unique acquisition: A group of 12 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies based in Pennsylvania. Since then, the company has acquired additional businesses in the eastern part of the U.S., forming what’s now known as Ace Home Services.”

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NearU Services founder on organic growth, M&A, and the technology dilemma

“Deal activity won’t stop. It’s still a very attractive sector with tremendous demand. However, fewer platforms are getting into the space. I think net new platform formations have probably gotten to a steady state, and the main driver of growth will be from existing players in the space.”

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