As January winds down, we’re cranking up the heat on another JB Warranties Monthly Round-Up! Whether you spent the month battling frozen pipes, fine-tuning furnaces, or just trying to keep up with the latest industry shifts across plumbing and HVAC, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, and join us as we dive into what’s been making waves in the trades.
In our December Round-Up, we covered SupplyHouse.com’s $90,000 donation toward trade-focused programs, first dibs on the National Hardware Show (NHS) 2025 event registration, the latest $1 billion federal clean energy contract for Constellation, and a new Mitsubishi Electric heat pump compressor factory here in the states. Now, let’s roll back January’s news.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a safety advisory warning HVAC technicians, shippers, and industry personnel about unauthorized refrigerant cylinders entering the market. These cylinders, often manufactured overseas, lack proper DOT or United Nations (UN) certification, making them unsafe for transporting hazardous materials. Using or filling these cylinders isn’t just risky — it could lead to fines or criminal charges.
Unlike properly marked cylinders — such as those labeled “DOT-4BW240” or “UN ISO 9809” — these unauthorized versions do not meet U.S. safety regulations. To remain compliant (and safe), always check for the proper DOT or UN markings on the top of a cylinder, and be sure to use only authorized cylinders when extracting or recovering refrigerant gas from systems.
It’s also critical to remember that refrigerant gases cannot be vented into the atmosphere. They must be collected and transported to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reclaimers for proper processing. While PHMSA doesn’t regulate empty cylinder sales, they can enforce legal action if unauthorized cylinders are filled and transported to an EPA-certified reclaimer.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation has revealed it’s revamping the National HVAC Apprentice Contest to better reflect today’s industry skills. The redesigned competition will debut at the PHCC of South Dakota’s 2026 state convention, giving apprentices a fresh way to showcase their expertise in a more modern, tech-driven format.
While there won’t be an HVAC contest at CONNECT 2025, organizers are considering a special exhibit previewing the new competition on the tradeshow floor. Meanwhile, the National Plumbing Apprentice Contest will take place as planned at CONNECT 2025 in October. Learn more about upcoming trade conferences like CONNECT 2025 in the latest calendar from JB Warranties.
Big news for the trades — the home services market is set to grow by $1.03 trillion between 2025 and 2029, with a 10.5% annual growth rate (CAGR), according to Technavio. With more homeowners tackling upgrades and repairs, the demand for plumbing, electrical work, HVAC maintenance, and remodeling is surging, making this a prime time for trade professionals.
Aging homes and evolving lifestyles mean services like appliance repairs, home improvements, and design upgrades are hotter than ever. On top of that, tech advancements like cloud-based tools and virtual service solutions are making it easier than ever to streamline operations and boost profits. Trade pros who stay ahead of these trends can take full advantage of the booming market.
Sustainability is also shaking up the industry, with eco-friendly service solutions gaining traction. While challenges like labor shortages and regulations still exist, the market outlook remains strong. For contractors, setting the proper financial foundations for home service businesses now will make all the difference in staying competitive and thriving in this fast-growing space.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule updating test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps (CAC/HPs) to align with the latest industry standards. The new rule incorporates AHRI 210/240-2024 (I-P), ensuring CAC/HPs are tested for seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) and heating seasonal performance factor 2 (HSPF2) ratings using the most current methodology. These changes take effect on February 6, 2025, with mandatory compliance starting July 7, 2025.
The DOE is also introducing AHRI 1600-2024 (I-P), adding two new efficiency metrics: seasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency (SCORE) and seasonal heating and off-mode rating efficiency (SHORE). While testing for these won’t be required just yet, this final rule signals a shift toward more comprehensive efficiency standards. Updates like these are crucial in the era of decarbonization, as the industry moves toward greener, more sustainable HVAC solutions.
Wisetack recently teamed up with U.S. Bank to make pay-over-time financing more accessible for home services. Through this partnership, qualified homeowners can now access U.S. Bank financing directly via Wisetack’s network of merchants and choose from flexible monthly payment plans, all while the contractors performing the service receive payment the next business day.
Looking for more financing options? JBFin offers contractors free access to dozens of home improvement lenders to get your customers approved for financing. There’s also JB Financing for Commercial, so business owners can access loan offers that meet your specific business needs from several funders. Explore financing solutions designed for contractors, by contractors.
As January gives way to February, we’ve covered a lot of ground in the trades — we’re talking everything from DOT regulations on refrigerant cylinders and new DOE test procedures for air conditioners and heat pumps to updates in HVAC apprenticeship competitions and home services market growth. In this industry, you truly never know what tomorrow may bring.
Fortunately, with JB Warranties, you never have to miss a beat. For more on the latest industry updates, be sure to check out the JB Warranties blog. You can also stay connected with us on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook for all the must-know news in plumbing, HVAC, and more!