HVAC Is Changing Fast: The 2026 Slowdown, AI, Culture & the Technician Shortage

The Beer Can Cold Podcast is back. This week, JG and Will sit down with Brian and Carrie Ivester, owners of Anderson Heating & Cooling, a woman- and veteran-owned HVAC company serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

We dig into what HVAC contractors are actually dealing with in 2026: slowing call volume, changing consumer behavior, the technician shortage, recruiting and training young technicians, HVAC marketing during the shoulder season, maintenance agreements, customer retention, company culture, and the growing pressure from DIY repairs and big-box stores.

We also have a candid conversation about AI in the HVAC and home service industry. Can AI answering services replace CSRs? Should an HVAC company use AI to answer after-hours calls? Both Anderson Heating & Cooling and Boer Brothers have experimented with technology and outside call centers, but the conversation keeps coming back to the importance of having a real person available when a customer needs help.

Brian and Carrie share how Anderson Heating & Cooling recruits and develops technicians, including hands-on HVAC training that allows young technicians to troubleshoot real equipment and learn by doing.

Carrie also breaks down how Anderson approaches company culture, employee recognition and team events. From summer kickoffs and family events to what they call "Carrie's Stupid Fun," they've intentionally built a workplace where people can enjoy being part of the company.

We also discuss one of the biggest questions facing HVAC contractors: how do you generate revenue when the phone stops ringing?

The conversation covers outbound calling, following up on old estimates and technician recommendations, maintenance customers, cloverleafing, door knocking, customer retention and finding opportunities already sitting inside your existing database.

Then we tackle HVAC pricing and the rise of DIY repairs. If a homeowner can buy a capacitor online for $45, why does a professional HVAC repair cost more? The answer involves technician training, diagnostics, trucks, tools, insurance, warranties, overhead and having a qualified professional available when something goes wrong.

Brian and Carrie also share how Anderson Heating & Cooling gives back to the veteran community by donating complete HVAC systems to deserving veterans.

This episode is for HVAC contractors, home service business owners, technicians, service managers, comfort advisors, CSRs, dispatchers and anyone trying to build a better company in the skilled trades.

And because this is Beer Can Cold, we eventually get to the question that matters most:

Do you believe in Bigfoot?

Subscribe to Beer Can Cold for real conversations about HVAC, home services, leadership, company culture, technician training, marketing and running a contracting business.

HASHTAGS

#HVAC #HVACBusiness #HVACContractor #HomeServices #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #HVACMarketing #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #HomeServiceBusiness #HVACIndustry #HVACLife #HVACService #HVACSales #BeerCanCold

YOUTUBE KEYWORDS / TAGS

HVAC, HVAC business, HVAC podcast, HVAC contractor, HVAC contractors, HVAC business owner, HVAC industry, HVAC 2026, HVAC slowdown, HVAC market 2026, HVAC technician, HVAC technician shortage, HVAC recruiting, HVAC hiring, HVAC technician training, HVAC apprenticeship, HVAC training, HVAC service, HVAC sales, HVAC marketing, HVAC marketing strategies, HVAC maintenance agreements, HVAC membership program, HVAC customer service, HVAC call center, HVAC dispatch, AI in HVAC, HVAC AI, AI answering service, AI phone answering, home services AI, home service business, home service podcast, home service marketing, contractor business, contractor podcast, skilled trades, skilled trades podcast, company culture, HVAC company culture, HVAC leadership, HVAC management, HVAC pricing, HVAC capacitor, DIY HVAC, HVAC customer retention, HVAC outbound calling, HVAC lead generation, shoulder season HVAC, Anderson Heating and Cooling, Beer Can Cold Podcast

What is it really like to be an HVAC technician during one of the hottest summers on record?

In this episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast, we sit down with Jason Harmon of Anderson Heating & Cooling for an honest conversation straight from the service van. From scorching attics and flooded crawl spaces to customer expectations and long summer days, Jason shares what life is really like on the front lines of the HVAC industry.

We also discuss:

• Working through extreme heat and high call volumes • Why skilled trades are one of the best career opportunities today • The importance of work ethic and company culture • Honest repairs versus unnecessary upselling • How homeowners can avoid costly mistakes when choosing an HVAC contractor • Equipment reliability and today's refrigerant changes • Why trust is the foundation of every successful service call • What the future looks like for technicians entering the trade

Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, business owner, apprentice, or homeowner, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experiences from professionals who live it every day.

If you enjoy honest conversations about the skilled trades, subscribe to the Beer Can Cold Podcast for new episodes featuring industry leaders, technicians, and business owners who are shaping the future of HVAC.

HVAC podcast, HVAC technician, HVAC life, HVAC service, air conditioning repair, AC repair, heating and cooling, HVAC business, HVAC training, HVAC careers, skilled trades, blue collar careers, residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, service technician, HVAC maintenance, heat wave, summer HVAC, HVAC diagnostics, customer service, HVAC industry, HVAC contractor, work ethic, technician life, Beer Can Cold Podcast, Jason Harmon, Anderson Heating & Cooling, honest HVAC, refrigerant changes, HVAC repair

#BeerCanColdPodcast #HVAC #HVACTechnician #HVACLife #HeatingAndCooling #AirConditioning #ACRepair #HVACService #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #HVACBusiness #WorkEthic #ServiceTech #Homeowners #ConstructionLife #TradesLife #HVACTraining #SummerHeat #Podcast #RealTalk

What is it really like to be an HVAC technician during one of the hottest summers on record?

In this episode of the Beer Can Cold Podcast, we sit down with Jason Harmon of Anderson Heating & Cooling for an honest conversation straight from the service van. From scorching attics and flooded crawl spaces to customer expectations and long summer days, Jason shares what life is really like on the front lines of the HVAC industry.

We also discuss:

• Working through extreme heat and high call volumes

• Why skilled trades are one of the best career opportunities today

• The importance of work ethic and company culture

• Honest repairs versus unnecessary upselling

• How homeowners can avoid costly mistakes when choosing an HVAC contractor

• Equipment reliability and today's refrigerant changes

• Why trust is the foundation of every successful service call

• What the future looks like for technicians entering the trade

Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, business owner, apprentice, or homeowner, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experiences from professionals who live it every day.

If you enjoy honest conversations about the skilled trades, subscribe to the Beer Can Cold Podcast for new episodes featuring industry leaders, technicians, and business owners who are shaping the future of HVAC.

Keywords

HVAC podcast, HVAC technician, HVAC life, HVAC service, air conditioning repair, AC repair, heating and cooling, HVAC business, HVAC training, HVAC careers, skilled trades, blue collar careers, residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, service technician, HVAC maintenance, heat wave, summer HVAC, HVAC diagnostics, customer service, HVAC industry, HVAC contractor, work ethic, technician life, Beer Can Cold Podcast, Jason Harmon, Anderson Heating & Cooling, honest HVAC, refrigerant changes, HVAC repair

Hashtags

#BeerCanColdPodcast

#HVAC

#HVACTechnician

#HVACLife

#HeatingAndCooling

#AirConditioning

#ACRepair

#HVACService

#SkilledTrades

#BlueCollar

#HVACBusiness

#WorkEthic

#ServiceTech

#Homeowners

#ConstructionLife

#TradesLife

#HVACTraining

#SummerHeat

#Podcast

#RealTal

Beer Can Cold Podcast – Extended Labor Warranties Part 2

Are extended labor warranties killing service department revenue… or are they one of the most powerful customer retention tools available today?

In Part 2 of our deep dive into extended labor warranties, JG Van Graan, Will Merritt, and Marty Gildemeyer sit down with Kelsey Weeks and Courtney Womack from JB Warranties to answer the questions every HVAC contractor is asking.

We discuss:

• The biggest misconceptions about extended labor warranties • Why homeowners are shocked when parts are covered but labor isn't • Whether labor warranties actually hurt service department profitability • How labor warranties impact maintenance agreement retention • The role refrigerant costs play in today's repair bills • Claims processing, paperwork, and reimbursement timelines • Technician compensation and labor warranty repairs • Why modern HVAC equipment is changing the warranty conversation • Self-insuring vs using a third-party warranty provider • The future of warranties with inverter systems, communicating equipment, A2L refrigerants, and AI diagnostics

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: today's homeowners are investing $15,000–$25,000 in comfort systems and expect warranties to provide real protection. The industry is changing, and contractors must decide whether extended labor warranties are becoming a necessity rather than an option.

Whether you're an HVAC owner, service manager, comfort advisor, technician, or homeowner, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the hottest debates in the industry.

Guests: • Kelsey Weeks – JB Warranties • Courtney Womack – JB Warranties • Marty Gildemeyer – Praxis

Subscribe for more HVAC business discussions, industry trends, leadership conversations, and the occasional Bigfoot sighting.

#HVAC #JBWarranties #ExtendedWarranty #ContractorSuccess #HVACBusiness #ServiceTitan #MaintenancePlans #HVACSales #BeerCanColdPodcast

Summer is finally here and the boys are back with another episode of Beer Can Cold Podcast featuring sponsor favorite Marty from Praxis.

In this episode, we dive into HVAC industry conversations, business growth, marketing strategy, leadership, customer experience, and the real challenges facing home service companies today. Expect authentic conversations, practical insights, and a little bit of humor along the way.

Whether you’re an HVAC owner, service manager, technician, CSR, or home service entrepreneur, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable ideas.

Topics include:

HVAC business growth

Service management

Customer experience

Home service marketing

Leadership in the trades

HVAC industry trends

Sponsorships and partnerships

Building company culture

Subscribe for weekly HVAC business conversations from the field and the front office.

#HVAC #BeerCanColdPodcast #HomeServices #HVACLife #ServiceManagement #TradesIndustry #BusinessPodcast #HVACBusiness #CustomerService #Leadership #Praxis #Marketing #ContractorLife #HVACTechnician #SmallBusiness #HVACSales #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

Summer is finally here and the boys are back with another episode of Beer Can Cold Podcast featuring sponsor favorite Marty from Praxis.

In this episode, we dive into HVAC industry conversations, business growth, marketing strategy, leadership, customer experience, and the real challenges facing home service companies today. Expect authentic conversations, practical insights, and a little bit of humor along the way.

Whether you’re an HVAC owner, service manager, technician, CSR, or home service entrepreneur, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable ideas.

Topics include:

• HVAC business growth
• Service management
• Customer experience
• Home service marketing
• Leadership in the trades
• HVAC industry trends
• Sponsorships and partnerships
• Building company culture

Subscribe for weekly HVAC business conversations from the field and the front office.

#HVAC #BeerCanColdPodcast #HomeServices #HVACLife #ServiceManagement #TradesIndustry #BusinessPodcast #HVACBusiness #CustomerService #Leadership #Praxis #Marketing #ContractorLife #HVACTechnician #SmallBusiness #HVACSales #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

What separates great HVAC companies from the ones that stay stuck?

This week on the Beer Can Cold Podcast, JG and Will sit down with business coach and leadership expert Kerry Webb to talk about accountability, culture, pricing, leadership, technician coaching, and what really causes HVAC and plumbing companies to plateau.

Kerry has worked with hundreds of home service companies across the country, helping owners and leadership teams improve culture, increase accountability, and build businesses that actually grow profitably.

This episode dives into:

• Why HVAC companies plateau
• Leadership accountability
• Technician coaching and ride-alongs
• Building a winning culture
• Why service pricing matters
• KPI targets for technicians
• Positive accountability vs negative management
• How to coach younger technicians
• Creating consistency in customer experience
• Why culture beats compensation long term

If you own, manage, or work in an HVAC, plumbing, or home service business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use immediately.

#HVAC #Leadership #HomeServices #BusinessGrowth #HVACLife #Plumbing #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneur #BeerCanColdPodcast #HVACBusiness #Culture #Management #Accountability #ServiceTitan #HVACR

Use these in tags and description:

• HVAC business
• HVAC management
• HVAC leadership
• HVAC podcast
• Home service business
• HVAC technician
• ServiceTitan
• HVAC company growth
• HVAC sales
• Plumbing business
• Home services leadership
• Accountability in business
• Company culture
• HVAC training
• HVAC owner
• Service manager coaching
• Technician KPIs
• HVAC operations
• HVAC entrepreneurship
• HVAC success

#HVAC #HVACLife #HomeServices #BusinessCoach #Leadership #Management #Culture #Entrepreneur #HVACBusiness #BeerCanColdPodcast #Plumbing #Trades #ServiceIndustry #SmallBusiness #ServiceTitan

This week on the Beer Can Cold Podcast, JG and Will sit down with Phil Schaaf, Division VP at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes in HVAC.

From rising equipment costs to shrinking margins, changing technology, and the growing challenge of same-day fixes—this episode dives into what distributors and manufacturers are seeing that contractors are missing.

Key topics include:

• Why contractors are struggling to keep up with market changes
• The shift from selling equipment to selling solutions
• Where companies are losing margin (and don’t realize it)
• The real impact of financing, pricing, and service agreements
• Same-day fix challenges with modern HVAC systems
• How to think about inventory, purchasing, and distributor relationships
• Why marketing dollars are being left on the table

If you’re an HVAC owner, manager, or tech looking to stay competitive, this is a must-listen.

1. Contractors are missing the speed of market change Most businesses aren’t reviewing their processes or adapting fast enough to shifting customer behavior, pricing, and financing realities.

2. Top companies sell solutions—not equipment The best companies aren’t focused on “boxes.” They solve problems—financing, comfort, IAQ, efficiency.

3. Same-day fix is getting harder

• More complex equipment
• More specialized parts
• Diagnostics are harder
• Inventory strategy matters more than ever

4. Margin loss is death by a thousand cuts

• Discounting
• Financing costs
• Missed ancillary charges
• Poor PM strategy
• Not tracking true job cost

5. Marketing dollars are massively underutilized Millions are left on the table every year because contractors don’t understand co-op vs marketing funds.

6. Process discipline separates winners Repeatable systems—not “how we’ve always done it”—is what drives growth.

Clip 1: “Contractors aren’t missing the market… they’re missing how fast it’s changing.”

Clip 2: “The top companies don’t sell equipment—they sell solutions.”

Clip 3: “You think you’re making money on maintenance… but you’re not tracking the real cost.”

Clip 4: “Same-day fix isn’t what it used to be—and it’s only getting harder.”

Clip 5: “You’re not losing margin in one place—you’re bleeding it everywhere.”

Intro

• Restream + episode length discussion
• Need for sponsor break placement
• Guest intro

Guest Background

• Phil Schaff’s journey:
  • Started in trades → install → service
  • Commercial/industrial → Trane → GE → Daikin
• Full 360° industry perspective

Segment 1: What Contractors Are Missing

• Market evolution speed
• Importance of analytics
• Adapting sales approach

Segment 2: What Top Companies Do Differently

• Selling solutions vs equipment
• Listening and asking better questions

Segment 3: Pricing & Affordability Pressure

• Equipment cost increases
• Financing challenges
• Manufacturer response (efficiency, design, leasing ideas)

Segment 4: Same-Day Fix Reality

• Parts complexity
• ECM motors and modules
• Diagnostic challenges
• Process changes needed

Segment 5: Biggest Contractor Mistakes

• Not evolving processes
• Lack of standardization
• Thinking short-term

Segment 6: Margin Breakdown

• Discounting issues
• Financing impact
• PM strategy mistakes
• Ancillary costs

Segment 7: Purchasing Strategy

• Consignment vs terms
• Inventory risk
• Matching strategy to service area

Segment 8: Marketing Dollars & Co-Op

• Massive missed opportunity
• Difference between co-op and marketing funds
• Impact on growth

#HVAC #HVAClife #HomeServices #BusinessGrowth #ContractorLife #HVACBusiness #ServiceIndustry #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BlueCollar #BeerCanColdPodcast