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HVACR Trends

HVACR Trends

Information to Inspire, Grow and Profit

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Chuck Labow

Women in HVACR Conference Opens 2026 Speaker Call

April 2, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

Women in HVACR conference attendees at industry networking event

The Women in HVACR conference is accepting speaker proposals for its 2026 annual event, and if you have field experience, practical knowledge, or a perspective worth sharing, this is worth a look.  The deadline is April 20.  Here is the full announcement from WHVACR. Women in HVACR Conference: 2026 Call for Speakers ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — March 30, 2026 — Women in HVACR … [Read more...] about Women in HVACR Conference Opens 2026 Speaker Call

Project Jupiter and the New Playbook for the Trades: From Big Bets to Real Outcomes

April 1, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

HVAC contractors reviewing plans at a large-scale construction site representing Project Jupiter trades workforce opportunity

The Project Jupiter trades story is moving fast at the national level.  The real question is whether skilled trades contractors, electricians, and HVAC technicians are positioned to capture meaningful value from a $165 billion development. Bob Allomong frames the Project Jupiter trades question the channel needs to be asking. In today's trades environment, risk doesn't … [Read more...] about Project Jupiter and the New Playbook for the Trades: From Big Bets to Real Outcomes

HVAC Distributor Sales Pick Up in February

March 31, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

HARDI February Results

HVAC distributor sales moved in the right direction in February, with HARDI reporting weighted average same-day sales up approximately 5% year-over-year.  That is a meaningful swing from January, when the same measure was down 1%.  Before anyone calls it a recovery, though, it is worth looking at what is actually driving the number. Price Is Doing Most of the … [Read more...] about HVAC Distributor Sales Pick Up in February

Rethinking SPA Optimization

March 26, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

Distributor pricing and finance team reviewing SPA reconciliation data at an office workstation

SPAs are simultaneously one of the most valuable margin levers in distribution and one of the least governed. In this context, SPA refers to Special Price Agreements which are ship-and-debit programs between manufacturers and distributors that support stock sales growth and align channel pricing. Distributors invest significant time negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, … [Read more...] about Rethinking SPA Optimization

AI for Distributor HR: Tools Worth Knowing About

March 2, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

HVACR distributor HR team reviewing AI workforce management tools on a laptop

Getting Started with AI for Distributor HR For distributors, people are the business.  You can operate with a lean inventory model, but without capable people, nothing works.  That reality is why AI for distributor HR is worth paying attention to now.  The tools have matured enough to handle real workflows, the costs are accessible, and the administrative burden they can … [Read more...] about AI for Distributor HR: Tools Worth Knowing About

HVAC Tariff Costs: What the Supreme Court Ruling Really Changes

February 25, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

Supreme Court IEEPA tariff ruling impact on HVAC equipment pricing and the distribution channel

The Supreme Court handed down a significant trade policy decision last week, and the headlines made it sound like relief was on the way.  For HVACR distributors, contractors, and manufacturers trying to manage HVAC tariff costs, the reality is more complicated than the news cycle suggests.  The Court struck down one major tariff mechanism.  Several others remain fully intact, a … [Read more...] about HVAC Tariff Costs: What the Supreme Court Ruling Really Changes

Watsco Q4 Earnings Miss Masks a Bigger Story

February 18, 2026 by Chuck Labow Leave a Comment

Watsco Q4 2025 earnings showing record gross margins and technology platform investments alongside volume declines in HVAC distribution

Watsco Q4 earnings tell two stories, and neither one cancels the other out. On the surface, Watsco Q4 earnings paint a rough picture. Revenue fell 10%.  HVAC equipment sales dropped 13%.  Earnings per share declined 29%.  When you back out the 11% domestic pricing increase, implied equipment volumes were down more than 20%.  That is not a soft patch. But Watsco's own framing … [Read more...] about Watsco Q4 Earnings Miss Masks a Bigger Story

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