Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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Baby Boomers own the most homes in the U.S., but Millennials and Gen Z are gaining. In 2024, Millennials made up 29% of homebuyers, while 33% of older Gen Z members (around 27) are homeowners, compared to about 40% of the same-age Baby Boomers.

It’s about clarity and consistency. Are your techs empowered to say no to unreasonable requests? Do they feel supported when a client pushes back? Do your customers understand the value behind your pricing, and the fact that your team isn’t just delivering a service, they’re delivering their skill, time and care?

To help control losses and to make insurance available to certain homes, more insurers are requiring plumbing leak detection devices as a condition of coverage, alongside smoke detector requirements that are ubiquitous throughout the industry.

We almost never charge for “add-ons” when doing large contract jobs. We are very thorough when we do estimates, and try to include everything we can think of. As a matter of fact, we have bid and won over a dozen jobs that specifically excluded “change orders.”

Hybrid systems offer a critical bridge in the transition from fossil fuel reliance to full electrification. For contractors working in colder climates or retrofitting older homes, all-electric heat pump systems can be a tough sell. Hybrid units, however, deliver measurable emission reductions while preserving consistent output and adaptability.

One of the most powerful parts of the trip was witnessing how personal stories and local successes resonate with policymakers. Whether it was a community's struggle with water quality or the adoption of cutting-edge conservation practices, these conversations helped bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.

One concept that’s getting increasing attention among HVAC engineers is “resilient design.” It refers to approaches that - ideally - allow systems to remain operational under very abnormal conditions, or minimize effects that could cause major damage to systems when and if they are otherwise rendered inoperative.

If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.

Too many plumbers overlook the opportunities presented by home and garden shows. Attendance at shows has been increasing every year since the pandemic. Up to 90% of attendees are homeowners. Attendees are typically 35-64 years old and affluent. They attend the show because they want to make improvements in their homes and yards.

Plumbing and mechanical professionals bear more responsibility than often recognized. They ensure building safety, function, and peace of mind for occupants. Every installation, service, or check involves managing expectations, reducing risks, and building trust.