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The latest from the appliance repair and HVAC industry.
We're adding a new section to ServiceMag: hands-on reviews of the software tools that HVAC and appliance repair contractors actually use to run their businesses. No ads, no affiliate deals — just honest assessments from people who've used the stuff.
The House passed a bill eliminating the DOE's requirement to periodically update appliance efficiency standards. Meanwhile, a DOE report found existing standards saved households $6,000 over the past decade.
48% of consumers now prioritize smart features when buying appliances. AI-equipped units can detect failing components weeks before breakdown. Here's what that means for repair businesses.
The $7 billion appliance repair industry faces a 19% technician gap as retirements outpace new hires. Smart appliance complexity is compounding the problem.
The EPA proposed repealing the January 2026 R-410A installation prohibition for residential HVAC. But the AIM Act expansion lowered the leak-tracking threshold from 50 to 15 pounds, catching many more systems.
Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington right-to-repair laws took effect January 1. The federal Fair Repair Act was introduced February 5. Independent repair shops are gaining legal access to parts and diagnostics.
Manufacturers shipped 3.6 million heat pumps versus 3.2 million gas furnaces in 2025 — the first time heat pumps have outsold furnaces. Federal tax credits up to $2,000 are driving demand.
A 10% tariff on all imports plus 41-50% steel and aluminum duties are adding $1,200-1,500 per year to household appliance costs. Consumers are choosing repair over replacement at record rates.
Starting January 1, 2026, California landlords must provide a functioning stove and refrigerator in every rental unit. Recalled appliances must be repaired or replaced within 30 days.
LG has recalled half a million electric ranges because front-mounted knobs can be accidentally turned on by people or pets. Samsung issued a similar recall affecting 1.1 million units.
Electrolux has recalled over 180,000 Frigidaire gas ranges after 62 reports of delayed oven ignition causing sudden flame bursts. Here's what technicians need to check.
Smart appliance diagnostics spent years as a marketing gimmick. The latest versions of SmartThings and ThinQ are finally producing data that saves real diagnostic time, but the gap between promise and reality is still wide.
A wiring harness that chafes against the door hinge mechanism has prompted Whirlpool to recall roughly 250,000 dishwashers sold under the Whirlpool and KitchenAid names. Forty-seven incidents reported so far, including three fires.
R-410A production allowances dropped to 60% of baseline this year, prices have nearly doubled since 2024, and every new residential system now ships with a next-gen refrigerant. The transition is no longer theoretical.
Following the Rosen v. LG class action settlement, LG has updated warranty terms on its Inverter Linear Compressor to cover parts and labor for a full 10 years. The change affects millions of refrigerators currently in service.
Samsung has issued a service bulletin affecting multiple top-mount refrigerator models manufactured between 2022-2024, addressing recurring defrost system failures.