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This article revisits smart plumbing systems and the need for our industry to adopt monitoring and automation strategies like those in HVAC for improved efficiency. At the recent ASPE Convention in Columbus, OH, I discussed how integrating intelligence into plumbing can significantly enhance building occupant safety.

Plumbers are vital for ensuring safe water for drinking and sanitation. Their role will become even more critical as we face new water-related challenges.

The heat pump water heater (HPWH) market is set to grow from nearly $100 billion in 2024 to $156.59 billion by 2030, fueled by energy efficiency regulations, rising energy costs, urbanization, and a demand for sustainable solutions.

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Empathy is a critical leadership tool in the home services trades, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, employee satisfaction, and retention. Research shows that empathetic leaders can significantly drive success, making it more than just a soft skill.

Facing price complaints from customers? Remember to keep your cool! Start by empathizing with their frustrations about rising costs everywhere. Explain the challenges small businesses face, highlighting how online retailers can undercut prices due to lower overhead. Always keep the conversation constructive and focused on solutions. 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.

AHR consistently impresses with innovative PHVAC technologies, educational seminars, engaging presentations, and impressive exhibits while emphasizing that hands-on skills in trades like PHVAC, electrical work, and carpentry cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

A recent design approach for air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps is "direct-to-load" piping. This method utilizes an inverter-driven scroll compressor, which operates across a wide range of speeds and can handle on/off cycling without the high inrush current typically seen in fixed-speed compressors.