On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we’re talking with Kyle Gargaro, Editorial Director & Associate Publisher of The ACHR NEWS.
We cover some great topics, including:
- The current state of the HVAC industry
- Emerging trends in green technology
- The impact of government regulations
- Strategies for workforce development
- The importance of local government involvement
- And so much more!
Kyle’s Journey in HVAC Journalism
With a background in journalism and a career in local newspapers, Kyle joined ACHR News in 2004 as an associate editor.
At that time, his HVAC knowledge was limited to knowing where his air conditioner and furnace were!
Fast forward 20 years, and Kyle is now the Editorial Director of ACHR News.
His dedication and willingness to learn have made him an expert in this field.
The State of the HVAC Industry
Kyle says that while residential HVAC may feel like it’s slowing down, it’s actually just returning to pre-COVID levels.
The pandemic created a surge in home improvement projects, which pulled future business forward.
On the commercial side, there’s been significant growth, with a 13% increase reported recently.
Emerging Trends in Green Technology
The push for greater energy efficiency is driving innovation in the HVAC industry in two key areas.
- Heat Pumps: These are gaining traction due to government incentives and a focus on decarbonization.
- Geothermal Systems: While not new, geothermal technology is seeing renewed interest thanks to energy efficiency awareness and government support.
Impact of Government Regulations
Kyle says that it is really important to stay informed about government regulations especially:
- The refrigerant transition in 2025, moving from R410A to A2Ls
- New overtime rules that will affect how contractors pay their employees
Strategies for Workforce Development
Addressing the ongoing workforce shortage in HVAC, Kyle talked about a few different strategies:
- Market to prospective employees like you would to customers
- Use social media, especially Instagram, to reach younger potential hires
- Create an attractive work environment with perks like gym memberships or game rooms
- Offer incentives for current employees to recruit new talent
- Focus on recruiting veterans and women, two often overlooked groups in HVAC
The Importance of Local Government Involvement
Kyle stresses that local government can significantly impact day-to-day business operations.
While it might be tougher to find information about local policies, engaging with local governments can be more beneficial.
Local officials are more likely to care about the jobs you provide in the community.
Advice for HVAC Professionals
For those just starting in HVAC or looking to grow their business, Kyle offers this advice:
- Join industry associations to network and stay informed
- Invest in training for yourself and your employees
- Stay up-to-date with technology and regulations
- Consider expanding into indoor air quality services
- Use education as a marketing tool to engage customers
Learn More About ACHR News
To stay informed about the latest HVAC industry trends, check out ACHRnews.com. You can find daily updates, podcasts, videos, and webinars covering all aspects of the HVAC industry.
Also, be sure to check out these links to items Kyle mentioned in the podcast:
Related: Navigating Climate Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Tim Fisher
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Summon the Rawk by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4434-summon-the-rawk
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
