Industry News

Intelligent PlatformProtect, Manage & Save Watts Water Technologies is excited to announce the strategic merger of two of its flagship digital brands, Nexa™ and The Detection Group™, creating a comprehensive solution for Intelligent Water Management across commercial buildings. Intelligent Platform The combination brings together Nexa, Watts’ powerful intelligent water management platform, with The Detection Group’s market-leading wireless leak Read more

Watts Water Technologies is excited to announce the strategic merger of two of its flagship digital brands, Nexa™ and The Detection Group™, creating a comprehensive solution for Intelligent Water Management across commercial buildings.

Intelligent Platform

The combination brings together Nexa, Watts’ powerful intelligent water management platform, with The Detection Group’s market-leading wireless leak detection technology, trusted by Fortune 500 companies, life science manufacturing facilities, hospitality properties, healthcare systems, luxury multi-family properties, and major universities across North America.

“This is more than a product integration, it’s a unification of vision,” said Matt Barth, President of The Detection Group. “By joining forces with Nexa, we’re delivering a smarter, more responsive system that allows our customers to be more thoroughly protected than ever from the costly impacts of water damage.”

David Benaiges, VP of Watts Digital, added, “Nexa and The Detection Group each bring years of innovation to the table. Together, they reflect Watts’ commitment to building a safer, more sustainable water future, all while giving our customers unprecedented visibility and control over their unique water systems.”

Protect, Manage & Save

With the intelligent water management Nexa provides, building owners, engineers, and operators can:

  • Protect people and assets from the costly impacts of water damage through real-time leak monitoring, alerting, and full shut off capabilities.
  • Manage building systems through one powerful, cloud-based dashboard, leveraging sensing technology that both integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure, and lives within select Works with Nexa equipment.
  • Save water, energy, time, and labor with water usage tracking, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and actionable reporting.

This union further positions Watts at the forefront of sustainable building innovation and supports the evolving needs of customers seeking smarter, more connected solutions for water safety and conservation.

Customer Success Managers will be reaching out to existing TDG customers in the coming months to provide details about the exciting new capabilities available in the Nexa platform, and to develop their migration plans. Current Nexa customers can begin expanding their leak protection capabilities with TDG’s industry-leading technology in August.

For more information please visit https://www.nexaplatform.com/ and https://www.thedetectiongroup.com/. 

Subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly newsletter, https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/

AHRI Leadership Visits Midea to Strengthen Global Standards Collaboration AHRI Leadership Visits Midea to Strengthen Global Standards CollaborationMidea Enhances Standards Leadership in North America and Supports AHRI’s Global HVAC Frameworks Through Targeted InnovationAdvancing Heat Pump Innovation to Lead in Performance, Versatility and Market Growth On June 12, Stephen Yurek, President of the Air Conditioning, Heating Read more

AHRI Leadership Visits Midea to Strengthen Global Standards Collaboration

On June 12, Stephen Yurek, President of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), alongside the AHRI management team, visited Midea Air Conditioning Headquarters. The delegation shared AHRI’s global organizational structure and mission, discussing future collaboration with Midea to advance regional energy efficiency standards and streamline regulatory pathways for market access across global regions. AHRI also recognized Midea for achieving 100% compliance in AHRI’s three consecutive years of certification testing in VMAC, PTHP, PTAC and other categories. Midea attendees included Louis Zhao, President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; Vincent Chou, Vice President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; and Dennis Lee, Vice President of Midea Building Technologies Division International Business.

Pictured left to right: Dennis Lee, Vice President of MBT International Business; Vincent Chou, Vice President of Midea’s Residential AC Division; Stephen Yurek, President of AHRI; Louis Zhao, President of Midea’s Residential AC Division; Bridge Xue, Vice President of AHRI; Jenny Zhang, Project Manager for AHRI

The meeting with AHRI leadership represents a pivotal step toward co-developing global standards and advancing international collaboration in high-performance HVAC solutions. With over 330 member companies in North America alone, AHRI standards cover 95% of HVACR products in the region. With its global service framework expansion, it establishes localized efficiency standards and market access rules, ensuring high-efficiency products enter markets smoothly. Choosing Midea as the first stop of its China visit reflects AHRI’s recognition of Midea’s leadership in driving energy efficiency upgrades and standard development globally.

During the closed-door meeting, both parties explored collaboration frameworks for three market types:

  • Developing Markets: Accelerate electrification and inverter technology adoption through high-efficiency solutions
  • Extreme-Climate Markets: Jointly develop practical efficiency and quality standards based on local usage insights
  • Markets Without Unified Standards: Build foundational regulatory systems to foster healthy competition

The discussions focused on leveraging AHRI’s expanding footprint (including new Singapore/Dubai offices) to accelerate regulatory harmonization. This alignment ensures Midea’s advanced systems qualify for key incentive programs like federal/regional heat pump rebates tied to high-efficiency standards.

Stephen Yurek outlined AHRI’s global structure, highlighting offices in the U.S., China, India, UAE, and Mexico. He praised Midea’s heat pumps delivering up to 100% heating output at -31°F and up to 100% cooling output at 140°F, expressing interest in deeper global collaboration.

Midea commits to pioneering heat pump innovation for unprecedented efficiency and environmental adaptability, while tailoring localized solutions to meet global efficiency regulations”, said Louis Zhao, President of Midea’s Residential Air Conditioning Division. “We’re honored to support AHRI’s worldwide strategy by combining our technical expertise with market experiences.

Midea Enhances Standards Leadership in North America and Supports AHRI’s Global HVAC Frameworks Through Targeted Innovation

AHRI’s visit elevates the strategic partnership between both parties to new heights. For over a decade, the two organizations have been trusted allies in advocating for high-efficiency, low-carbon transformation. Since 2017, Midea has collaborated with AHRI to actively participate in developing standards for multiple projects including high-efficiency low-temperature heating, eco-friendly refrigerants, and CVP, jointly advancing industry energy efficiency models using the new R454B eco-friendly refrigerant.

Midea also actively participates in key leadership and technical forums, including standing committees on Certification and Global Services and a broad range of working groups. This active involvement culminated in a major landmark: Midea became the first Chinese brand admitted into AHRI’s Central Ducted Systems Unitary Section Leadership Council. Leveraging AHRI’s influential global platform and standards expertise alongside Midea’s technological innovation capabilities and market insights, this collaboration will create greater value for global users and inject strong momentum into sustainable industry development.

Showroom tour at Midea Exhibition Hall 08

Advancing Heat Pump Innovation to Lead in Performance, Versatility and Market Growth

Midea’s technical leadership in the HVAC industry is anchored by its sustained focus on heat pump innovation. Midea has also expanded its heat pump offerings with new product categories such as Packaged Window Heat Pumps (PWHP) for urban retrofits and Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH), with an impressive efficiency rate of up to 400%. The June 12 meeting was designed to further explore strategic pathways for strengthening Midea’s leadership in the North American market through deeper technical alignment, ensuring Midea’s products continue to meet evolving standards tied to regional and federal electrification and sustainability goals, and expanded certification collaboration with AHRI.

Contractors and companies that are interested in becoming a Midea heat pump distributor or consumers seeking to upgrade to Midea’s heating and cooling solutions should call 1-888-MIDEA-NA (1-888-643-3262). For more information, visit www.mideacomfort.us.

Halo offers the best protectonDrench shower designed for faster removalEngineering for durability and accessibilityBradley’s free site surveys provide expertise Industrial worksites are often high-risk environments where workers are exposed to hazards such as chemical splashes, dust, debris, and thermal injuries. Emergency safety showers and eyewashes are critical safety measures that provide immediate washdown relief, helping Read more

Industrial worksites are often high-risk environments where workers are exposed to hazards such as chemical splashes, dust, debris, and thermal injuries. Emergency safety showers and eyewashes are critical safety measures that provide immediate washdown relief, helping to prevent serious injuries.

In some emergencies, it is possible that a worker’s eye and facial area is exposed to harmful materials at the same time as the rest of the body. That is where a combination unit – which combines a drench shower and eye/face wash all in one fixture – is equipped to provide immediate “double duty” in flushing all of the exposed areas at once.

Bradley’s Combination Drench Shower and Halo™ Eye/Face Wash S19314 Series is the most complete safety fixture on the market. The drench shower provides full-body relief from contamination, and the eye or eye/face wash targets those areas of the body where a gentle spray of water is optimal.

Here is how Bradley’s Halo and Drench Shower Combination Units arm workers with total facial and bodily protection:

Halo offers the best protecton

What sets Halo eye/face wash apart is its innovative washdown technology, engineered for maximum coverage and contaminant removal, delivering fast, effective eye relief when seconds count. Halo arms users with the most effective emergency relief available, providing 20 percent better protection than any other eye/face wash. Using the latest technology in fluid dynamics to rinse off contaminants, Halo provides a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution.

Drench shower designed for faster removal

Bradley’s emergency drench shower with the SpinTecshowerhead provides a superior washdown in less time than competitive models. Designed to deliver a more even distribution of water, the SpinTec’s unique spray pattern rinses more effectively with a higher velocity, resulting in faster removal of hazardous contaminants from the affected user.  

Engineering for durability and accessibility

Constructed from galvanized steel coated with BRADTECT™ safety yellow finish, Bradley’s fixtures are built to withstand tough environments while standing out for quick identification. Each unit comes complete with a universal safety sign and inspection tag, supporting both visibility and regulatory compliance.

For even greater protection, the combination drench shower is also available with visual and audio alarms so site managers are alerted when the unit is activated in an emergency.

Bradley’s free site surveys provide expertise

In addition to advanced product materials and engineering, Bradley offers complimentary on-site safety surveys to help facilities evaluate risks and ensure their emergency equipment complies with ANSI-required annual inspections. These value-added services—combined with Bradley’s customer support—demonstrate commitment to workplace safety.

From improving response times to reducing injury, Halo Combination Safety Fixtures are a smart investment for any facility prioritizing worker protection.

Learn more about Bradley’s combination eyewash and drench showers, and other ways to upgrade your facility’s emergency response with Bradley industrial safety products.

Sign up here for Bradley’s complimentary site survey.

Leading experts, Ryan Jenkins and Elliot Eisenberg, to speak at CONNECT 2025 Ryan JenkinsElliot Eisenberg, Ph.D The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) reveals Ryan Jenkins and Elliot Eisenberg as the keynote speakers for PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 27-30 at DeVos Place. Ryan Jenkins Ryan Jenkins A global keynote speaker, Ryan Jenkins is a Wall Read more

Leading experts, Ryan Jenkins and Elliot Eisenberg, to speak at CONNECT 2025

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) reveals Ryan Jenkins and Elliot Eisenberg as the keynote speakers for PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 27-30 at DeVos Place.

PHCC CONNECT 2025
Ryan Jenkins

Ryan Jenkins

A global keynote speaker, Ryan Jenkins is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author on team connection, generational differences and the future of work, and has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune and CNBC for his thought leadership. Jenkins will present a keynote titled, “Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams from Isolated to All In,” sponsored by Kohler.

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized economist and public speaker known for making economics engaging, relevant and accessible. As Chief Economist for GraphsandLaughs, LLC, he serves clients nationwide and shares daily economic insights through his widely read 70-word commentary. At PHCC CONNECT 2025, he will headline the Workforce Breakfast with his keynote, Economic Crystal Ball: What the Trends Mean for Your Business.”

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Jenkins and Elliot Eisenberg as our keynote speakers for CONNECT 2025,” says Dan Callies, PHCC National president and president of Oak Creek, Wisconsin-based Oak Creek Plumbing. “Their expertise on team connection and economics is incredibly timely and valuable for our members. Attendees can expect to leave inspired, informed and better equipped to navigate the future of the industry.”

For more details, including the schedule-at-a-glance, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations, as well as the many attractions of Grand Rapids, known as America’s best beer city. Register today here.

Sign up for our Free Newsletter, https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/

New report reveals how small home service businesses are adapting to economic uncertainty through pricing strategies and digital payments New report reveals how small home service businesses are adapting to economic uncertainty through pricing strategies and digital paymentsKey Insights from the ReportSegment Highlights: Green, Cleaning, Contracting, and Construction Jobber, the leading provider of home service Read more

New report reveals how small home service businesses are adapting to economic uncertainty through pricing strategies and digital payments

Jobber, the leading provider of home service software, today released its latest Home Service Economic Report: Q1 2025. The Q1 2025 edition combines Jobber’s proprietary platform data aggregated from more than 250,000 residential cleaners, landscapers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and more, with external economic indicators to provide comprehensive insight into the trends shaping one of the fastest-growing and most essential parts of the small business economy, Home Service. The report is available at: https://getjobber.com/home-service-reports/may-2025/.

“The Home Service economy is showing encouraging signs of stabilization, even as some uncertainty remains,” said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder of Jobber. “Our data shows that demand for services is evolving. Homeowners are prioritizing essential services and value-driven investments, creating strong opportunities for businesses that stay agile, manage costs wisely, and continue to deliver exceptional work. There’s real potential ahead for those prepared to meet the moment.”

Key Insights from the Report

  • Signs of stabilization amid uncertainty: While inflation cooled and household spending remained steady, elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment continued to limit demand for large-scale, financed projects. As a result, homeowners shifted toward practical, value-oriented services.
  • Digital payments hit record high: Digital payments accounted for 47% of all transactions in Q1, up from 43% a year prior, highlighting homeowners’ growing expectations for ease, speed, and professionalism in their service experience.

Segment Highlights: Green, Cleaning, Contracting, and Construction

Home Service businesses experienced mixed results in Q1 2025, with revenue stability driven by smaller, recurring jobs in segments like Green and Cleaning, while larger, discretionary projects in Contracting and Construction continued to face headwinds. A deeper breakdown is as follows:

  • Green: Started the year strong, with an 8% year-over-year increase in new work scheduled in January. Bookings dipped mid-quarter, but revenue rose 6% year-over-year due to bundled services and modest price increases.
  • Cleaning: New work scheduled fell 4% year-over-year, yet revenue held up thanks to a 5% increase in average invoice size, driven by upselling and recurring service models.
  • Contracting: Demand for core repair and diagnostic services remained steady, but growth was flat. New work scheduled declined 4% year-over-year, and revenue saw a modest 1% gain.
  • Construction: The segment saw an uptick in project planning with a 4% increase in new work scheduled, but revenue declined as many jobs appeared delayed or incomplete, reflecting cautious homeowner spending and seasonal slowdown.
HVAC Career

“The Q1 data shows a sector in transition—stable, but still under pressure from high borrowing costs and cautious consumer behavior,” said Abheek Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics at Jobber. “We’re seeing nuanced shifts of essential services holding strong, while larger projects appear to lag. This kind of segmented, ground-level insight is critical for understanding where the market is heading and how businesses can plan for what’s next.”

To download the Jobber Home Service Economic Report: Q1 2025, visit: https://getjobber.com/home-service-reports/may-2025/.