In last month’s article, we looked at the timelines around the shift to R-454B and other A2L refrigerants. As that transition picks up, manufacturers are starting to release components that work across both legacy and next-generation systems. Danfoss’s new Universal TR6 thermostatic expansion valve is one of them—compatible with R-410A, R-454B, and R-32. It’s designed to … [Read more...] about Danfoss Announces new Universal TR6 Thermostatic Expansion Valve Kit
AI at the Crossroads: What Happens Next Depends on Who’s Driving
The conversation around AI is picking up steam, and not just in tech circles. Whether you're in HVACR, construction, distribution, or finance, the ripple effects of AI are starting to hit every corner of the economy. But I think we're asking the wrong first question. It's not just, "What will AI do?" It's, "What kind of society do we want to build with it?" In the HVACR … [Read more...] about AI at the Crossroads: What Happens Next Depends on Who’s Driving
New Research: What HVAC Buyers Expect from Distributors in 2025
New research reveals how buying behavior is changing—and what it means for your ecommerce strategy We recently partnered with BigCommerce to better understand how contractors and institutional buyers are sourcing HVAC, electrical, and industrial supplies—and what they now expect from distributors in 2025 and beyond. The full report is now live: … [Read more...] about New Research: What HVAC Buyers Expect from Distributors in 2025
Gas Furnace Shipments & The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Happens if it Passes?
Unless you’ve been trapped under something heavy for the past three months, you’ve probably heard of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) budget proposal. Regardless of your political leanings, passage (or not) of the OBBB will affect the trajectory of gas furnace shipments in 2025 and beyond. April and year-to-date (YTD) 2025 data from AHRI confirm robust … [Read more...] about Gas Furnace Shipments & The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Happens if it Passes?
Loyalty Is Earned. But Sometimes It’s Bought, and That’s a Good Thing
In my experience, contractors can be a fickle bunch. In today’s hyper-competitive HVACR market, contractor loyalty is more important – and more elusive – than ever. A new report from ITA Group and Channel Marketing Group, Building Contractor Loyalty, reveals just how much loyalty programs influence contractor behavior. Contractor Loyalty by the Numbers 57% of … [Read more...] about Loyalty Is Earned. But Sometimes It’s Bought, and That’s a Good Thing
What to Know About the R-454B Shortage
Guess what? Brian was right. It's June and the R-454B shortage is here. Recently, I tuned in to HARDI’s webinar titled “Mixing Refrigerants: Addressing Misinformation and Best Practices,” hosted by Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI, and featuring Mike Breen of Rheem/Ruud, who also serves on NATE’s Technical Committee. It was a timely, no-nonsense discussion about the challenges … [Read more...] about What to Know About the R-454B Shortage
Embraco Builds Compressor Plant in India: Why it Matters
As global demand continues to grow for high-efficiency, variable-speed, and natural refrigerant-ready compressors, manufacturers are rethinking their supply chains. One of the most recognized names in refrigeration technology: Embraco (part of Nidec Global Appliance) is taking a major step with the construction of a new $120 million compressor factory in India. While this … [Read more...] about Embraco Builds Compressor Plant in India: Why it Matters
