As November gives way to December, it’s time to cozy up with a cup of coffee (or a fresh furnace filter) and take stock of this year’s progress. Welcome back to the JB Warranties Round-Up — grab a mug and let’s unwrap the season’s latest updates! While the holiday season is settling in, the plumbing and HVAC world isn’t slowing down… it’s heating up as we head toward the New Year.
In our October Round-Up, we highlighted the 2025 AHR Expo Innovation Awards winners, explored the Department of Energy’s new tax credit product lookup tool, and broke down the latest sustainability initiatives from Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI). Now, let’s rewind the month of November to reveal what hot topics and industry news kept the trades burning bright.
1. Searches for “24-Hour Plumber” Spike (Again)
Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving us with plenty to be thankful for — and several clogged drains. We’re talking about Brown Friday, of course! Often the busiest day of the year for plumbers, clogged drains and broken garbage disposals were the talk of the town after grease, turkey drippings, and potato skins put an unruly strain on kitchen sinks around the nation.
This can explain why searches for “emergency plumber” jumped 65% compared to the two weeks before and after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day alone, searches for “24-hour plumber” are higher than on any other day in November. While the verdict is still out on 2024 data, Yelp recently compiled a list of the “most clogged capitals” in the nation, which currently include:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Nashville, TN
- Sacramento, CA
- Baltimore, MD
2. Lennox Partners with Contractor Commerce
Searches for local plumbers aren’t all that spiked last month: homeowners have also been browsing for new HVAC systems more than ever. To cater to this demand, Lennox, a global manufacturer of HVAC systems, has partnered with Contractor Commerce to expand its ecommerce capabilities. The partnership will help connect homeowners with trusted Lennox dealers online.
The new platform integrates directly with the Lennox dealer network, so homeowners can not only access dealer-specific pricing for HVAC systems but also compare local options and purchase directly from dealers’ websites. This partnership will allow local HVAC companies who sell Lennox products to boost their online visibility and drive more ecommerce sales with ease.
3. Smart HVAC Controls Market Set to Grow at 10.8% CAGR
Building on the momentum of increasing HVAC sales, the global smart HVAC controls market is also heating up with impressive growth. Smart HVAC controls refer to automated tools designed to help govern a system with fewer manual adjustments, like mobile app-powered interfaces and occupancy sensors that automatically switch a system on or off when someone enters or exits a room.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted market growth for smart technologies, as attention was turned to more urgent developments, including indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment. However, a November industry analysis revealed that the global smart HVAC controls market is on the rebound in a major way. The market size is anticipated to reach $24.3 billion in 2031 — a CAGR of 10.8%.
In particular, contractors can expect an uptick in manufacturer supply and consumer demand for smart sensors, automated temperature control systems, automated ventilation control systems, and automated humidity control systems. Now is the time to brush up on your sales strategies, as these technologies are projected to impact both the commercial and residential HVAC markets.
4. Latch Introduces New AI-Powered Leak Detector
Beyond HVAC technologies, November was also a time for plumbing innovation. Latch, Inc. (soon to be rebranded as DOOR), announced a new AI-powered event and leak detector system that monitors for running toilets, sink leaks, and similar household issues. The announcement came at the November International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC) East 2024 in New York.
What’s interesting about the new detector system — named the DOOR Bug — is that it’s geared toward property managers and building owners, instead of homeowners. Knowing that the average cost of water damage restoration ranges from $1,300 to $5,600, the DOOR Bug is designed to help multi-family building managers, owners, and contractors avoid expensive emergencies.
5. BDR Launches Virtual Contractor Training Courses
As if November’s technological developments weren’t enough, the month also brought new opportunities for career and professional development, courtesy of the aptly named Business Development Resources (BDR). The business coaching and training provider for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries unveiled a new series of virtual contractor training courses.
Starting in December, BDR will host more than 10 virtual training events over the next four months, each organized to help businesses thrive in the increasingly competitive home service industry. These sessions will cover a variety of key topics, delivering actionable insights to support profitability, strengthen customer relationships, and simplify operations, including:
- Mastering Productivity: Strategies for Prioritization, Time Management, & Delegation (December 18, 2024)
- The Home Service Blueprint: 5 Core Pillars for Building Your Dream Business (January 9, 2025)
- Top Gun Technician Excellence: Beyond Diagnostics (January 30-31, 2025)
- Customer Experience University (February 6-7, 2025)
Prepare for the Year Ahead with JB Warranties
While the holiday season is sure to bring some downtime for contractors and technicians, the plumbing and HVAC industries are gearing up for a strong finish to the year. JB Warranties will be back with our January Round-Up to keep you updated on the latest trade trends, but don’t wait until then — December is the time to start setting your business up for success in the year ahead.
Fortunately, JB Warranties has everything you need in your digital toolkit to begin preparing for the new year with confidence. The JB Dealer Services Marketplace is home to trusted accounting, financing, marketing, ecommerce, and field service management partners that can help your business reach new heights in 2025. Browse the Marketplace today to get a headstart on the new year!
Matt Cosby
Director of Marketing
