February might be the shortest month of the year, but it sure doesn’t take it easy. Between industry updates, regulatory changes, and big-picture trends shaping the trades, there’s been plenty to keep up with. If you’re a contractor or business owner, chances are you’ve been just as busy — because, let’s face it, the work doesn’t slow down just because the calendar does.
In our January Round-Up, we covered a safety advisory on unauthorized refrigerant cylinders, updates to the National HVAC Apprentice Contest, the trades’ projected $1.03 trillion growth trajectory, and new rules for central air conditioner and heat pump test procedures. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dive into what February had in store.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a fresh batch of resources for plumbing professionals ahead of Fix a Leak Week, running from March 17 through 23, 2025. This annual event helps home and business owners detect and address leaks in their plumbing systems, an issue responsible for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water per building each year.
For contractors offering leak detection technology, this is a prime opportunity to run specials and tailor marketing efforts around the event. You can also share a few simple tips with customers to help them check for leaks and encourage them to call you for repairs:
The EPA also offers a downloadable fact sheet with tips for spotting leaks in toilets, showers, faucets, and outdoor systems like garden hoses and sprinklers. Keeping this resource on hand positions plumbing business owners as trusted advisors, helping customers save water, money, and resources — something everyone appreciates, especially in today’s economy.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has decided not to move forward with its proposed Section VIII rule change (Proposal 07-245) in the 2025 edition of its safety standard. This is a notable win for the HVAC industry, as the proposal would have removed key exemptions for pressure and water heating vessels currently regulated by Underwriters Laboratories.
Eliminating these exemptions could have caused widespread confusion, particularly in states where safety standards are tied to building codes. “This victory shows the power of industry collaboration,” said Todd Titus, HARDI Director, State and Public Affairs. “Without the participation of our members and industry partners, this change could have had a sweeping impact on the HVACR industry nationwide.”
The proposal’s withdrawal follows strong industry opposition, with HARDI leading a grassroots campaign to mobilize members. Their efforts resulted in over 200 submissions — 77% of the total comments ASME received — playing a key role in stopping the change. While this is a major win, industry leaders warn the proposal may reappear in future ASME code revisions.
At the start of the month, President Trump signed executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. These broad tariffs do not specify affected products — meaning they likely apply to all imports, including key HVAC components.
Unfortunately for contractors, popular HVAC manufacturers like Carrier, Daikin, Lennox, and Trane, which hold over 60% of the U.S. market, rely on manufacturing in Mexico and source parts from China. With these new tariffs set to take effect on March 4, the industry could see supply chain disruptions and higher costs, adding pressure to an already expensive market.
This is the second major tariff decision impacting HVAC in the past year, following the Biden administration’s September hikes on Chinese steel and aluminum products, including heat exchangers. If these new tariffs move forward, manufacturers and contractors may face even steeper costs; yet another challenge in an industry already dealing with rising expenses.
Women in HVACR (WHVACR) has announced its 2025 board of directors, bringing together industry leaders to guide the organization. This year’s executive board is led by Kristin Gallup, who steps into the president role after serving as vice president in 2024. Gallup, a Carrier Enterprise executive, has 17 years of experience in sales, marketing, and product management.
“This board is made up of some of the most experienced and capable women in the skilled trades industry, and I can't wait to work with them,” said Amy O’Grady, WHVACR’s executive director. “This team’s experiences and backgrounds will help our members improve their lives through education, networking, and mentoring programs.”
Joining Gallup is Jane Sidebottom, the new vice president, who previously served on the board. She is the founder of AMK, LLC, a consulting firm helping manufacturers and service companies grow. Other executive board members include Lori Tschohl (past president), Angela Miller (treasurer), and Crystal Williams (secretary). With a strong leadership team, WHVACR is set to continue its mission of empowering women in the trades.
The 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) kicked off the year with a bang, showcasing top brands and innovations in plumbing and design. Featured in our Plumbing Events Calendar, the show delivered big moments, including Kohler winning Best in Show for the third year in a row with its immersive 15,000-square-foot booth. Kohler also secured four Best of KBIS product awards:
With an extensive portfolio that includes Ann Sacks, Kallista, Kast, Klafs, Robern, and Sterling, Kohler remains a dominant force in the industry. For plumbing contractors, staying familiar with Kohler’s latest offerings is a smart move. Having high-quality, in-demand products to recommend can make all the difference when working with homeowners and architects.
Between tariffs, industry regulations, and new product innovations, staying competitive in HVAC and plumbing is far from easy. Fortunately, offering extended warranties can help protect your bottom line and give customers peace of mind. Discover how JB Warranties can help your service business stand out — learn more about our industry-leading protection plans today.