Climate change TAJISKISTAN: Tajikistan has taken a significant step in addressing climate change by signing an agreement to gradually phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases used in cooling systems.  The deal was signed on January 12 in Dushanbe by the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), according to The Caspian Post citing Tajik media.  The agreement launches the “Inte

First Supply Broadens Chicagoland Footprint with Able Distributors Acquisition USA: First Supply has strengthened its position in the Chicagoland market by acquiring Able Distributors, an established heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) supplier with four branch locations in Chicago, South Chicago, Northfield and McHenry. The deal supports First Supply’s long-term growth strategy in a key Midwest region and adds 48 new team members to its workforce. Able Distributors, know

Solar Panels and Heat Pumps Set to Become Costlier in 2026 USA: The expiration of the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar and battery systems at the end of 2025 will make home electrification more expensive for many homeowners in 2026, even if equipment list prices remain unchanged. Leased systems keep credits until the end of 2027, and new lease-to-own and prepaid-lease models are emerging so installers can pass savings to customers. Added costs from tariffs and new

Azerbaijan 2025 HVAC Imports from Turkiye Azerbaijan: In 2025, Azerbaijan imported heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems valued at about US$ 134.571 million from Turkiye, according to trade data reported in January 2026. These imports covered systems used for heating, cooling, and ventilation purposes, reflecting ongoing trade activity in building services equipment between the two neighbouring countries. The figure marks a snapshot of Azerbaijan’s relianc

South Korea Boiler Manufacturers Expand into Residential Cooling Segment South Korea: KyungDong Navien and Kiturami, the two largest home boiler manufacturers in South Korea, are expanding their presence in the cooling market as part of efforts to diversify beyond heating. KyungDong Navien has entered the segment with the introduction of its Condensing Air Conditioner Hybrid, which offers cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation functions. The company is also preparing to l

Bluon Partners with Helios HVACR to Deploy AI Diagnostics Across Field Operations US: Bluon has announced a strategic partnership with Helios HVACR Services, under which Helios HVACR is deploying Bluon’s AI driven diagnostics and equipment intelligence platform across its nationwide field operations. Helios HVACR operates in more than 40 US states and provides commercial HVACR installation, maintenance, and repair services. The platform is being integrated into existing workf

Haier Bangladesh Launches 24/7 Call Centre, Expands Nationwide After-Sales Network Bangladesh: Haier Bangladesh has launched a 24/7 customer call centre and expanded its after-sales service network by adding 17 exclusive service centres and 7 direct service centres across the country. The initiative provides uninterrupted customer support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and aims to improve response times and service quality nationwide. The company said the expan

Midea Partners with WS Weinmann & Schanz to Expand Nationwide HVAC Distribution in Germany Germany: Midea has announced a major expansion of its sales network, confirming that from February 2026 it will become a listed HVAC supplier of specialist wholesaler WS Weinmann & Schanz GmbH. The partnership covers Midea’s full HVAC portfolio, including plug-and-play solutions such as PortaSplit, as well as dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and heat pumps. This marks Midea’s first whol

Franke Group Acquires Røros Metall to Boost Nordic Kitchen Hood Business Switzerland: The Switzerland-based Franke Group, headquartered in Aarburg, has acquired 100% of the shares of Røros Metall, a premium Norwegian manufacturer of RørosHetta kitchen hoods and ventilation systems, to expand its Nordic presence and strengthen expertise in central ventilation. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Røros Metall will become part of Franke Home Solutions, reinfor

Belize Introduces New Import Rules for Cooling Equipment to Cut Emissions Belize: Belize is introducing the Environmental Protection (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2025 in phases over the next three months to regulate the import of refrigerators, air conditioners, and other cooling equipment. The Department of the Environment (DOE) said the regulations will tighten controls on refrigerants to protect the ozone layer and reduce harmful emissions. Under the new rules, bu

Samsung Electronics Releases Fourth-Quarter 2025 Earnings Guidance SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics announced earnings guidance for the fourth-quarter of 2025, projecting consolidated sales of approximately USD 69.9 billion and operating profit of about USD 15.0 billion, based on K-IFRS. The estimates reflect the median of expected ranges due to Korean disclosure rules. For comparison, Q3 2025 sales stood at USD 64.7 billion with operating profit of USD 9.1 billion, while Q4

Solar Expansion in Germany Stalls in 2025 as Rooftop Installations Weaken GERMANY: Germany’s solar power capacity expansion remained broadly flat in 2025, with around 17.5 gigawatts of new installations, nearly matching 17.7 gigawatts added in 2024, according to preliminary data from German Solar Association (BSW-Solar). While photovoltaics has become Germany’s second-largest electricity generation technology, the pace of expansion is insufficient to meet the 2030 target of 2

US Incentive Changes Raise Home Electrification Costs from 2026 USA: The removal of United States federal tax credits for residential solar panels, battery storage systems and heat pumps from the end of 2025 is expected to increase the cost of home electrification from 2026. While the change does not raise the upfront price of equipment, it eliminates the ability for homeowners with tax liability to offset costs through incentives. A typical residential solar and battery inst

Western Chicago Residential HVAC Business Changes Ownership USA: A residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company serving the western Chicago area has been sold, according to business broker Patrick Lange. The transaction involves a company founded in 1998 that has operated in the local market for over two decades. At the time of sale, the business reported annual revenue of approximately USD 1.53 million (EUR 1.41 million). The sale was completed as par

A. O. Smith Completes Acquisition of Leonard Valve USA: A. O. Smith Corporation has completed the acquisition of Leonard Valve through an all-cash transaction valued at USD 470 million (EUR 430 million), subject to customary adjustments. After accounting for estimated tax benefits, the transaction value is approximately USD 412 million (EUR 377 million) and was financed through borrowing under a new credit agreement. The acquisition expands A. O. Smith’s activities in water m

Rising Copper Costs Likely to Push Air Conditioner Prices Higher India: Consumers planning to purchase air conditioners may face higher prices as copper costs have increased in recent months, raising input expenses for manufacturers. Copper prices recently exceeded USD 12,000 per tonne (EUR 11,000 per tonne), according to market data, adding pressure across categories that rely heavily on the metal. In air conditioners, copper is a key material used in components such as coil

Amber Subsidiaries Secure Approval Under Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme India: Amber Enterprises India stated that its step-down subsidiaries, Ascent K Circuit and Shogini Technoarts, have received formal approval under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. The approval, granted in early January 2026 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, supports the localisation of electronic components and is intended to strengthen India’s electr

UK Cold Snap Raises Risk of Heating and Pipe Issues UK: Temperatures across the United Kingdom are forecast to fall below freezing next week, marking a cold start to 2026 following a mild December. British Gas estimates that around 54,000 households may require assistance with heating and hot water systems during the cold period. The company noted that freezing conditions increase the risk of pipes freezing, which can disrupt heating and water supply. During the previous wint

A. O. Smith Shows Resilience and Long-Term Growth Potential Amid Challenges North America: A. O. Smith Corporation reported continued momentum in its North America segment, supported by higher volumes in commercial water heaters and boilers. The company indicated that sales from its North America boiler business are expected to increase by around 4-6 percent in 2025, while sales from the commercial water heater business are projected to rise at a low single-digit rate. The co

Early Winter Lifts Heater Demand India: An early and sharper winter significantly altered India’s white goods market, driving consumers toward heating appliances while weakening demand for cooling products just ahead of tighter energy efficiency norms effective from January 1, 2026. Sales in india of heating appliances rose nearly 40% year-on-year in December 2025, while demand for air purifiers increased 30%, with Delhi-NCR contributing nearly three-fourths of purifier sales