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

ACCA names Bosch Home Comfort Group as strategic partner USA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America has added Bosch Home Comfort Group as a Premium Strategic Partner under its Strategic Partner Program. The Bosch Home Comfort Group provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions across residential and light commercial segments. In August 2025, the group completed the acquisition of the residential and light commercial HVAC business from Johnson Controls and the

HVAC USA: Lennox is investing in its commercial HVAC business to boost product availability, expand distribution capabilities, and enhance the overall customer experience, supporting the needs of today’s commercial contractors, engineers, and building owners.  The company recently expanded its commercial distribution network with the opening of its largest Regional Distribution Center in Edgerton, Kansas. Spanning 763,000 square feet, the facility significantly increases dist

Bathroom USA: Luxury Products Group (LPG), a leading buying group for independent luxury bath, kitchen, lighting, and hardware showrooms, has reported 10% year-over-year growth, outperforming the broader market during a year marked by significant consolidation and disruption within the buying group sector.  While many in the industry faced mergers, shifting alliances, and economic uncertainty, LPG maintained steady performance through strong member engagement, disciplined ven

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

Canada and UAE to Begin Economic Partnership Negotiations CANADA: Canada and the UAE will begin negotiations next month on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters. Ottawa hopes the talks will deepen ties with the Gulf and attract investment particularly into liquefied natural gas and green-energy projects, part of a broader strategy to diversify exports away from the United States amid tariff pressures. Abu Dhab

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

U.S. Justice Department Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans U.S.: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma in California over local ordinances that ban natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction. Filed in the Northern District of California, the complaint argues that the bans increase energy costs for consumers and undermine U.S. energy dominance by restricting federally regulated appliances

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

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

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

High-Efficiency and Low-NOx Heating Systems USA: Starting in 2026, all manufactured water heaters and furnace units installed in Colorado must meet high efficiency standards or ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission ratings, aimed at reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and potentially lowering utility bills. Low NOx equipment significantly cuts harmful emissions by drawing combustion air from outside, making it safer for indoor use. While the law does not require

Home Electrification US: Federal tax credits for residential solar panels, batteries and heat pumps expired at the end of 2025, removing incentives that previously saved homeowners significant amounts and making home electrification more expensive from 2026. The lapse of the 30% tax credit does not raise equipment prices directly but ends the ability for homeowners with tax liabilities to offset their taxes, with a typical solar and battery system previously generating credit

Samsung Electronics PERU: Samsung Electronics is strengthening its presence in the Latin American HVAC market by expanding beyond product sales into installation and aftersales capabilities. The company has opened a new Samsung HVAC Professional Training Center in Chiclayo, Peru, aimed at training engineers and installers in advanced installation and maintenance. The initiative is part of a broader B2B strategy to improve service quality and competitiveness in a region where

Heat Pump UNITED STATES: US homeowners face higher heat pump installation costs as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit ends on December 31. Under the program, households could claim up to $3,200 annually, including up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps, covering 30% of eligible costs. From January 2026, new installations will no longer qualify, removing a key mechanism that helped offset upfront costs and reduce long-term heating expenses. The credit applied only to

United States UNITED STATES: National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) forecasts that United States household heating costs will rise 9.2% this winter, roughly three times inflation, driven by higher electricity and natural gas prices and colder weather. Average heating spending is expected to reach $995, up $84 year-on-year. Electricity-heated homes face the steepest increase (+12.2%), followed by natural gas users (+8.4%), while heating oil and propane costs

Kohler Marks Two Decades of Retail Stores with New US Openings USA: Kohler Co. has announced the opening of three new Kohler Stores in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Salt Lake City, as it marks the twentieth anniversary of its retail store concept. The stores provide interactive spaces where customers can view and experience products from the company’s portfolio, including bathroom and kitchen fixtures, connected home technologies and curated collections. The openings form part o