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
Manufacturers
Pentagon Pricing Series – Part 1 – Sell Side Pricing
For the past number of months, David Gordon and I have been talking non-stop about pricing and have been busy helping many distributors and manufacturers with their "buy side" and "sell side" programs. As a former pricing leader for two of the largest distributors in North America, I have been remiss in writing as much as we should about buy-side and sell-side pricing. So, … [Read more...] about Pentagon Pricing Series – Part 1 – Sell Side Pricing
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?
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
Carrier Investor Day shows continued growth built off a strong business base
Carrier's Investor Day, May 19, 2025 provided a deep dive into the HVACR leading manufacturer strategy and results that were enlightening. Often in these high-level investor day presentations, you have to read between the lines. As our HVACR trends are overwhelmingly based in North America, I concentrated on the presentation given by Gaurang Pandya - President - Climate … [Read more...] about Carrier Investor Day shows continued growth built off a strong business base
HVACR April Earning Results – Watsco and Lennox
We take a deep dive on the latest earning results from Lenox and WATSCO in this column. HVAC manufacturer Lennox (light commercial equipment) and Watsco (distributor), and industrial manufacturer ABB, reported quarterly earning this week. Tariff discussions dominated the commentary both from the companies being proactive as well as questions from stakeholder … [Read more...] about HVACR April Earning Results – Watsco and Lennox
Update: Auer Steel & Heating Supply HVACR Advocacy continues in 2025
We started following the Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company in 2024. It was interesting to see on social media a distributor who was committing resources to HVACR advocacy and outreach. The team was going to local high schools, tech colleges and hosting events every month to get the next generation inspired to join the HVACR Channel. Auer Steel's goal (led by Jon Hirsch) … [Read more...] about Update: Auer Steel & Heating Supply HVACR Advocacy continues in 2025
Prokeep and Allied Join Forces to Support HVAC Distributors
Big news in the HVAC channel for Allied Air distributors that are seeking to differentiate themselves, be more accessible to their contractors (and their contractors' field technicians), and are seeking to grow ... especially with their house / uncoded accounts! Prokeep and Allied Air Enterprises According to its press release ..."Prokeep, distribution’s leading customer … [Read more...] about Prokeep and Allied Join Forces to Support HVAC Distributors
Trane and BrainBox AI Join Forces
Manufacturers and distributors talk much about AI and how they are using, or planning to use, it within their business workflows to improve sales processes, customer service, deliver analytics, improve warehouse automation, pricing, and more. Trane Technologies is taking AI the next step and seeking to integrate it into its products. According to the Financial Post, in an … [Read more...] about Trane and BrainBox AI Join Forces
Update : Auer Steel continuing to partner with end customers to recruit future associates
The Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company team continues to create programs that matter for their end customers and the channel. In September, we first started featuring Auer Steel's work (led by Jon Hirsch) to bring that next generation of HVACR professionals into the industry. They as a HVACR distributor are one of the most active advocates promoting the benefits of the … [Read more...] about Update : Auer Steel continuing to partner with end customers to recruit future associates
