With Halloween and all its spooky thrills officially behind us, we’re stepping into November with plenty to be thankful for. From winterizing pipes to tuning up heating systems, October kept HVAC and plumbing pros busy — and November promises to do the same. But before the cold (and the cold weather calls) officially settle in, let’s take a look back at what kept the trades sizzling.

Unruly tree roots, decades-old corrosion, continuous freeze-thaw cycles — you name it, and various culprits can cause irreparable damage to exterior pipes, including key sewer and water supply lines. Now, imagine having to tell a homeowner that you’ll need to dig a 5-foot-wide trench to replace the pipes… and they may need to backfill, reseed, and resod the entire area once you’re done.

Navigating the complexities of the plumbing and HVAC industry requires far more than just technical expertise — it demands strategic business skills. As a contractor and business owner, you likely find yourself juggling a variety of roles, from managing a team of technicians to ensuring customer satisfaction in the field, all while maintaining the day-to-day demands of the job. In today’s competitive market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the business side of things alone.

Whether you’re just starting your plumbing career as an apprentice or you’re already a licensed master plumber, there are various plumbing certifications that go beyond the general education you’ve received. These certifications allow you to specialize in niche areas of the trade, meet evolving customer demands, and remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace.

Cladosporium, penicillium, stachybotrys chartarum — no matter what you call it, household mold is a serious problem. In U.S. residential buildings alone, the population-weighted average prevalence of mold is a shocking 47%. For contractors who want to ensure their customers’ safety and comfort, understanding HVAC mold identification, remediation, and prevention is absolutely critical. 

September signals the start of fall, bringing cooler temperatures — and the first signs of seasonal changes — nationwide. While many enjoy the crisp air and fall activities, HVAC and plumbing professionals are busy gearing up for the flurry of winterization calls on the horizon. But beyond preparing for the colder months ahead, what else is new in the trades? 

If you’ve been working in the HVAC industry for a while, you’ve probably heard that the cost to acquire a new residential customer is between $200 to $300. Where did that new customer acquisition cost come from? Contractors need to work with real numbers to plan for their business, not just something your buddy’s dad’s cousin mentioned to your sister’s husband.

As we progress through 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it’s vital for plumbing professionals to remain aware of the latest plumbing regulations. Even though 2024 is well underway, important updates to the plumbing rules that took effect earlier this year might still be flying under the radar for some. These changes could have significant implications for plumbing operations, and staying ahead of them is the key to maintaining compliance and maximizing the success of your business.

In the home service industry, quick responses and efficient service are essential. When customers face urgent issues like broken air conditioners or plumbing problems, they need immediate attention. As a business owner, deciding whether to rely solely on human customer service representatives (CSRs) or integrate AI is crucial. If you're not at least evaluating advanced technology capabilities today, you're already falling behind.

September has arrived, and with it, the instant buzz of back-to-school preparations, end-of-season projects, and last-minute family vacations. But while the rest of the world slows down for one final summer breather, the plumbing and HVAC industry has anything but cooled off. August may have been a time for winding down, but for plumbing and HVAC professionals, now’s the time to gear up.