AC UK: An estimated four million homes in the UK are now equipped with air conditioning, representing a twofold increase compared to three years ago, as rising temperatures have led many households to report increasingly uncomfortable living conditions during summer heatwaves. Portable air-conditioning units, typically rated at around 1kW, remain slightly more common than fixed systems, which generally consume higher power, averaging about 2.7kW. Industry experts attribute th

Summer JAPAN: With temperatures already exceeding 30°C in parts of Japan and peak summer still approaching, demand for air conditioners is rising sharply, marking a crucial sales period for the cooling industry. However, concerns over naphtha supply disruptions and a shrinking labour force are expected to increase costs for consumers purchasing new units, while installation waiting times may extend to as long as a month. Supply concerns have intensified following disruptions

Air conditioner INDIA: AKAI India, operating under Home Tech Digital Limited, has introduced its 2026 Summer Collection in India, featuring a newly launched Direct Cool refrigerator range and the upgraded NXT version of its Nilgiree Split Inverter Air Conditioners as part of the company’s “Har Ghar Zero Summer” campaign. According to the company, the latest product portfolio is aimed at addressing diverse summer cooling needs across Indian households while catering to multipl

Bathroom AUSTRALIA: Nero Tapware has been named the exclusive distributor of American Standard in Australia. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, American Standard is globally recognised for its innovation, product quality, and long-standing expertise in bathroom solutions. The partnership represents a strategic expansion for Nero, enabling the company to broaden its portfolio beyond tapware and bathroom accessories to offer more comprehensive bathroom solutions in the

Heat Pump POLAND: Daikin Europe N.V. has officially inaugurated Daikin Manufacturing Poland a new heat pump production facility located in the Łódź region of Poland. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives from the Polish government, the Japanese Ambassador to Poland, local authorities, suppliers, and project partners, along with senior executives from Daikin Industries Ltd., Daikin Europe, and Daikin Manufacturing Poland, highlighting the collaborative effo

Paloma Rheem Holdings Completes Majority Stake Acquisition in Groupe Atlantic Japan: Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. (PRH) has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in France-based HVAC and water heating manufacturer Groupe Atlantic. The transaction expands PRH’s presence in the European market and brings Groupe Atlantic into collaboration with other PRH group companies, including Paloma, General and Rheem. PRH stated that the acquisition strengthens its position acro

Canadian Housing Construction Investment Continues to Decline CANADA: Investment in Canada's building construction sector declined to US$16.2 billion (CAD 22.6 billion) in March 2026, down 1.3% from February. Residential construction investment fell by 2.2% year-on-year to US$11.1 billion (CAD 15.5 billion), driven by declines in both multi-unit housing and single-family housing. Ontario recorded the largest fall in residential investment. According to the Canada Mortgage and

How Energy Efficiency Regulations Are Reshaping the HVAC Market in Emerging Economies Energy efficiency has emerged as a central pillar of policy and investment strategies across emerging economies, particularly as governments grapple with rising energy demand and climate commitments. The HVAC sector, being one of the largest consumer of electricity in buildings, sits at the heart of this transition. Increasing regulatory intervention is not only influencing how HVAC systems

Hiatt Hardware Group Strengthens UK Bathroom Market Position with Acquisition of Lakes Bathrooms UK: Birmingham-based Hiatt Hardware Group has acquired Lakes Bathrooms and Lakes Showering Spaces in a multimillion-pound transaction completed on 18 May 2026. The deal secures more than 120 jobs and expands the group’s workforce to around 200 employees. The acquisition represents a strategic move by Hiatt Hardware to diversify its portfolio beyond hardware and ironmongery into ba

Coram UK Appoints New Managing Director to Drive Growth and Product Innovation UK: Coram UK has appointed David Gannon as Managing Director as the bathroom specialist enters a new phase of growth and product expansion. Bringing nearly 40 years of industry experience, Gannon previously worked with the company as a strategic consultant for 18 months. The appointment coincides with plans to invest more than US$1.16 million (£1 million) in new product development across the Coram

Rising Energy Costs Push Eurozone Business Activity to Sharpest Decline in Over Two Years EUROPE: Economic activity across the Eurozone contracted at its fastest pace in more than two years during May 2026, according to the latest S&P Global Flash PMI survey. The Composite PMI fell to 47.5 from 48.8 in April, marking a second consecutive month of contraction and its lowest level since October 2023. Rising living and energy costs weakened demand, particularly within the servic

ADH Expands HVAC Distribution Network Through Acquisition of cfm Distributors USA: Advantage Distribution Holdings (ADH) has acquired Missouri-based cfm Distributors, a well-established HVACR distributor operating six locations and a distribution centre across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. The acquisition marks ADH’s second purchase since its formation in 2024 and expands its footprint to 13 locations across six US states. cfm’s President and CEO, Lauren Roberts, will