United Building Solutions Expands Southern Presence with DFW Mechanical Acquisition USA: United Building Solutions has acquired DFW Mechanical Group, a commercial and industrial mechanical contractor operating across Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida. The transaction adds DFW Mechanical to United Building Solutions’ national HVAC and mechanical services platform and extends its operations further into the southern United States. DFW Mechanical, headquartered in Wylie, Texa

Sets HCFC Consumption Limits Mexico: Mexico has established maximum allowable consumption levels for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its commitments under the Montreal Protocol, according to a measure published on Jan. 23, 2026, in the Official Gazette of the Federation. Issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the regulation strengthens the framework governing ozone-depleting substances and provides regula

Heat Pump USA: Senator Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) today announced the Clean Homes and Energy Affordability Package (CHEAP), comprising SB 222, the Heat Pump Access Act, and SB 868, the Plug-and-Play Solar Act. SB 222 aims to simplify and accelerate permitting for heat pump HVAC and water heater installations, while SB 868 streamlines approvals for plug-in solar systems, a new category of small, portable solar technology with the potential to significantly reduce energy co

SPX Technologies Strengthens HVAC Portfolio with Thermolec Acquisition USA: SPX Technologies has completed the acquisition of Canada-based Thermolec Ltd. for approximately US$140 million, marking a strategic expansion of its HVAC segment. Founded in 1973, Thermolec is a Montréal-headquartered manufacturer of custom electric duct heating and related solutions, serving commercial, multi-family residential and light industrial markets across North America. The company employs ne

Home Depot Launches AI Tool to Speed Up Project Material Planning for Trades USA: Home Depot has launched Material List Builder AI, a new digital tool designed to help professional tradespeople create accurate project material lists in minutes rather than hours. The AI interprets project requirements and generates organised, phase-by-phase material lists, reducing manual searching and errors. Users can input details through natural language descriptions, voice-to-text, pasted

Denver Region Launches US$200m Heat Pump Drive to Cut Building Emissions USA: The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) has launched Power Ahead Colorado , a major initiative backed by a US$199.7 million federal grant to reduce carbon emissions from home heating and cooling. Funded through the US Environmental Protection Agency, the programme focuses on accelerating the adoption of electric heat pumps across the Denver metro area. Around US$40 million will be allocat

Saanich Reopens Interest-Free Heat Pump Financing Scheme CANADA: The District of Saanich has opened the seventh intake of its Heat Pump Financing Programme, inviting residents to apply for interest-free loans to switch to electric heat pumps. Launched in 2022 with Central Saanich, the scheme offers up to $12,000 per household, repayable over ten years through a property tax levy. The programme aims to overcome high upfront costs while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and impr

US Economy US: The US economy expanded at a faster pace than previously estimated in the third quarter, with gross domestic product revised up to a 4.4% annualised rate, according to updated data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The revised figure marked the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2023, compared with 3.8% growth in the second quarter. The upward revision reflected stronger exports and business investment, while higher imports partially offs

Data Centers US: Commercial real estate construction is expected to record little or no growth this year, as higher interest rates, elevated material costs, and labor shortages weigh on new project activity. According to estimates from FMI Corp, spending on offices, hotels, apartments, and warehouses is projected to decline in 2026. In contrast, data centers remain a key exception, supported by continued investment from major technology companies to meet rising demand linked

TVA’s Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates Drive Breakthrough Adoption in 2025 UNITED STATES: The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight program delivered a major boost to heat pump water heater adoption in 2025, rebating more than 10,000 units in the fourth quarter alone. After an initial downstream rebate model failed to gain traction, TVA shifted strategy, ultimately adopting a midstream incentive approach in March 2025 that targeted distributors and retailers. The instant USD

Japanese Smart Toilet Seats Gain Long-Awaited Acceptance in the US JAPAN: After decades of resistance, Japanese electronic bidet toilet seats, led by Toto Ltd.’s Washlet, are finally gaining traction in the US market. First launched 45 years ago, the Washlet struggled with cultural barriers and advertising restrictions. Acceptance improved in the 2010s as US tourists experienced Washlets abroad and shared positive feedback online. A major breakthrough came when Amazon began s

Family Leisure Becomes Exclusive Retail Partner for Sundance Spas UNITED STATES: Family Leisure has entered into an exclusive retail partnership with Jacuzzi Group, becoming the sole retailer of Sundance Spas across its operating markets. Under the agreement, the Indianapolis-based home recreation retailer will offer Sundance Spas and Jacuzzi products at all 10 of its locations nationwide, expanding its showroom portfolio with advanced hydrotherapy and wellness-focused spas.

Champions Group Strengthens Texas Presence with Acquisition of Lex Services UNITED STATES: Champions Group Holdings has acquired Lex Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, a leading residential services provider in North Texas, reinforcing its expansion strategy in high-growth US markets. The transaction supports Champions Group’s broader Texas growth plans and commitment to expanding essential home services nationwide. “We're thrilled to welcome the Lex team into the Champ

AtmosAir and Smartcon Join Forces to Boost Hotel Air Quality and Energy Efficiency U.S.: AtmosAir Solutions and Smartcon Solutions Partner to Transform Hotels with Cleaner Air and Energy Efficiency as the two companies integrate AtmosAir’s bi-polar ionisation (BPI) HVAC air purification technology and Awair real-time monitoring sensors with Smartcon’s NeuroCore building automation platform. The collaboration targets hotels and resorts nationwide, aiming to improve indoor air

North Vancouver–Based Jetson Home Secures USD50 Million to Scale Heat Pump Model in North America Canada: North Vancouver–based Jetson Home has raised USD 50 million to advance its heat pump technology and expand its one-day installation model across Canada and the United States. Founded in 2024, the company says its vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer approach cuts homeowner costs by 30–50%, and it has installed more than 1,000 units across Metro Vancouver, Colorado, M

CONACEPE and SOLARMX Join Forces to Boost Solar Water Heater Adoption in Mexico Mexico: Mexico’s CONACEPE Partners with SOLARMX to Promote Solar Water Heating Nationwide as Mexico’s National Energy and Petrochemical Council (CONACEPE) signed a commercial and environmental partnership with SOLARMX, a Mexican manufacturer of certified solar water heaters, to promote energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel use and cut emissions across the country. Under the agreement, the two orga

Noritz and Nihon Itomic Collaborate to Advance Eco-Friendly Heat Pump Water Heaters in North America U.S.: Noritz and Nihon Itomic Partner to Launch CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heaters in North America as the two companies join forces to expand decarbonization and electrification initiatives in the region. Building on their July 2025 collaboration in Japan for a commercial hybrid water heating system, Nihon Itomic will lead product development while Noritz’s RB Corporation in Japan w

UBS Expands Southern U.S. Footprint with Acquisition of DFW Mechanical Group U.S.: United Building Solutions (UBS) Acquires DFW Mechanical to Expand HVAC Services in Southern U.S. as the national HVAC service provider announced the acquisition of DFW Mechanical Group, a full-service commercial and industrial mechanical contractor operating in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida. Headquartered in Wylie, Texas, DFW offers comprehensive commercial HVAC solutions, including plu

Luxury Bath Brand Bello Enters Exclusive Partnership with Luxury Products Group United States/Canada: Bello Joins Luxury Products Group as Exclusive Vendor Partner as the luxury bath brand entered into an exclusive partnership with Luxury Products Group (LPG) just one year after launching in the North American market. Through the collaboration, Bello will work closely with LPG members and staff to promote and support its portfolio of luxury bathtubs, vanities, LED mirrors, me

Blackstone Becomes Sole Institutional Investor in AIR USA: Funds managed by Blackstone’s private equity strategy for individual investors have acquired the remaining equity stake in Air Control Concepts from Madison Dearborn Partners, completing a buyout of the latter’s interest. The transaction follows Blackstone’s initial investment in the company in July 2024. As part of the deal, AIR’s founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Hobbs and his family will continue