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ServiceMag Expands Into Contractor Software Reviews
NewsApr 5, 2026

ServiceMag Expands Into Contractor Software Reviews

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.

House Votes 217-190 to Roll Back DOE Appliance Efficiency Standards
NewsApr 2, 2026

House Votes 217-190 to Roll Back DOE Appliance Efficiency Standards

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.

AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance Is Reshaping How Appliance Service Works
NewsApr 1, 2026

AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance Is Reshaping How Appliance Service Works

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.

19% Technician Gap: The Appliance Repair Workforce Shortage Is Getting Worse
NewsMar 31, 2026

19% Technician Gap: The Appliance Repair Workforce Shortage Is Getting Worse

The $7 billion appliance repair industry faces a 19% technician gap as retirements outpace new hires. Smart appliance complexity is compounding the problem.

EPA Walks Back R-410A Installation Ban, But AIM Act Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds
NewsMar 30, 2026

EPA Walks Back R-410A Installation Ban, But AIM Act Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

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.

Right-to-Repair Laws Now Active in Four States; Federal Bill Introduced
NewsMar 29, 2026

Right-to-Repair Laws Now Active in Four States; Federal Bill Introduced

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.

Heat Pumps Outsell Gas Furnaces for the First Time in U.S. History
NewsMar 28, 2026

Heat Pumps Outsell Gas Furnaces for the First Time in U.S. History

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.

Tariffs Push Appliance Prices Up — Repair Demand Surges
NewsMar 27, 2026

Tariffs Push Appliance Prices Up — Repair Demand Surges

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.

California AB 628: All Rentals Must Now Include a Working Stove and Refrigerator
NewsMar 26, 2026

California AB 628: All Rentals Must Now Include a Working Stove and Refrigerator

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 Recalls 500,000 Electric Ranges After Fires and Pet Deaths
NewsMar 25, 2026

LG Recalls 500,000 Electric Ranges After Fires and Pet Deaths

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.

Frigidaire Recalls 180,000 Gas Ranges Over Delayed Ignition Burn Hazard
NewsMar 24, 2026

Frigidaire Recalls 180,000 Gas Ranges Over Delayed Ignition Burn Hazard

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.

Samsung SmartThings and LG ThinQ Are Actually Starting to Be Useful
NewsMar 1, 2026

Samsung SmartThings and LG ThinQ Are Actually Starting to Be Useful

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.

Whirlpool Recalls 250,000 Dishwashers Over Door Wiring Defect
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Whirlpool Recalls 250,000 Dishwashers Over Door Wiring Defect

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.

The R-410A Squeeze Is Here: What the 2026 EPA Phasedown Means for Your Shop
NewsFeb 27, 2026

The R-410A Squeeze Is Here: What the 2026 EPA Phasedown Means for Your Shop

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.

LG Extends Linear Compressor Warranty to 10 Years With Full Labor Coverage
NewsFeb 26, 2026

LG Extends Linear Compressor Warranty to 10 Years With Full Labor Coverage

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 Issues Service Bulletin for Top-Mount Refrigerator Defrost Issues
NewsFeb 25, 2026

Samsung Issues Service Bulletin for Top-Mount Refrigerator Defrost Issues

Samsung has issued a service bulletin affecting multiple top-mount refrigerator models manufactured between 2022-2024, addressing recurring defrost system failures.