Amidst the conversation about AI and data centers, both of which distributors can benefit from, there is another conversation that, as typical, starts on the consumer side and then migrates to B2B. This is how AI is / may change business models Inevitably it does not occur as quickly as the Big 4 consulting pundits project, but it does seep into the business with more … [Read more...] about How Agentic AI Could Change How HVACR Contractors Buy Material
What Matters to HVAC Contractors and What Makes Them Loyal
I recently wrote this article for a sister publication of HVACRTrends, ElectricalTrends (and did you also know we publish Industrial Supply Trends and US Lighting Trends?) I’m sharing it because it is about contractors. And the reality is that contractor behavior across construction trades is very similar. The big difference for the HVAC industry, and it is similar in … [Read more...] about What Matters to HVAC Contractors and What Makes Them Loyal
Did an Elephant Show Up at the Applied AI Conference?
Mark McGready, Director Data Analytics and Solutions for IDEA, attended the 2026 Applied AI for Distributors Conference organized by Distribution Strategy Group. While he spoke to attendees about IDEA's Data Whispers solution and how Nudge (its avatar) helps drive sales, profits and acts as a virtual sales coach and information resource tailored to each distributor's offering … [Read more...] about Did an Elephant Show Up at the Applied AI Conference?
Refrigeration Technologies’ Viper EZDose
By now you should have heard that Refrigeration Technologies, the Southern California-based manufacturer behind the Viper® line of non-toxic HVACR chemical solutions, recently introduced the Viper EZDose™, a gravity-fed pan and drain line maintenance system designed to help HVAC contractors prevent condensate drain clogs before they become water damage, odor complaints and … [Read more...] about Refrigeration Technologies’ Viper EZDose
The Air Inside Your Home or Office May Be Making You Sick. And Most of Us Have No Idea.
Recently I was scrolling through LI and came across Chris Baca, who had an interesting posting on something in the HVAC space. I looked at his background ... 20 years in the HVAC distribution (along with a detour into the elevator space!). Given the original intent of LI, networking, I reached out to get acquainted. Earlier this week we had a great conversation and also … [Read more...] about The Air Inside Your Home or Office May Be Making You Sick. And Most of Us Have No Idea.
Blue Hawk Brings Construct CRM to its Members
Integrating with your customers provides an opportunity to add value to them and help solidify your role as their preferred distributor. The key is recognizing the reality ... that they also need to buy from your competitors (credit, availability, brands, location, price, etc) and enabling this (remember the phrase, "pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered!") Recently I wrote … [Read more...] about Blue Hawk Brings Construct CRM to its Members
DOE Furnace Rule Fight Exposes Gap Between Energy Policy and HVAC Field Reality
TL;DR: This article argues that the fight over the DOE furnace and water heater rule is really a fight over whether energy policy reflects how HVAC systems are installed in the real world. Higher-efficiency equipment has clear value, but mandates become problematic when they ignore retrofit constraints, labor shortages, consumer affordability, and regional infrastructure … [Read more...] about DOE Furnace Rule Fight Exposes Gap Between Energy Policy and HVAC Field Reality
