AI Technology

Probook Raises $40M to Scale AI Operating System for Home Services

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:55:00 -0400

The investment comprises a $34 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and a $6 million Seed round led by Sequoia Capital.

New AI Model Shows How to Evacuate for Fires One Safe Step at a Time

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:46:00 -0400

NIST researchers have developed a new AI model that can identify safe evacuation routes during a fire.

ANSI Invites Stakeholders to Help Shape Standards for Frontier AI Risk Management

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:45:00 -0400

A new INCITS standards initiative will develop a framework for managing the unique risks associated with advanced frontier AI systems, and stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and civil society are encouraged to participate.

Housecall Pro Appoints Stan Chia as CEO

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:02:00 -0400

The proven technology, platform and public-company executive will lead Housecall Pro's next phase of growth and AI-powered innovation.

ASHRAE, NEMA and PNNL Release AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:01:00 -0400

The Framework is hosted on ASHRAE’s website, providing industry-wide access to practical, expert-driven guidance for next-generation data center design and operation.

Housecall Pro Announces 2026 Trade Academy Scholarship Recipients

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:56:00 -0400

The announcement comes as interest in skilled trades careers continues to rise among younger generations.

Distro Launches Redesigned Platform Website

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:33:00 -0400

Distro’s redesigned website highlights its AI-powered sales platform, featuring AI quoting, order entry, ERP integrations, and automation tools for distributors.

Samsung Expands SmartThings Pro

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:06:54 -0400

Samsung expands SmartThings Pro with AI-driven predictive maintenance and advanced automation logic for HVAC professionals.

Why Plumbing Companies Need an AI Search Strategy And Why Digital PR Should Lead It

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Discover how AI search is reshaping how homeowners find contractors, and why digital PR must lead the strategy to build crucial online credibility and authority.

All This Talk About AI… What Happened to CRM?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Why is the industry buzzing about AI when many wholesale distributors haven't mastered CRM? A look at building a solid data foundation first.

An Expert Guide to Fire Protection Systems for Data Centers

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As data center construction rapidly expands, project teams must carefully weigh the critical tradeoffs between protection, cost, and operational impact to choose the right fire protection strategy.

RUGGED Mind and Body Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit Part 4 — AI and Mental Health in the Trades: A Tool for Support, Not a Replacement

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

AI tools are becoming more common and can offer quick, private support during a busy workday. For trades professionals working under pressure and tight schedules, that convenience may be appealing. However, AI is not a mental health professional, and understanding its limits is important.

Current Distribution Group Releases New AI-Focused eBook for Distribution Executives

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:17:00 -0400

Current Distribution Group has released a new AI-focused eBook designed to help distribution executives turn AI strategies into measurable business results through practical, real-world applications.

Housecall Pro Unveils Platform Redesign at Built to Last Spring Summit 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:34:00 -0400

The free virtual event on June 4 will feature AI education, Spanish-language programming, major product updates, and recognition of the next generation of trades leaders.

HVACR Controls Innovation Unites Industry Pros at Unified Group Controls Forum

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:15:00 -0400

This multi-day event featured collaborative conversations, educational sessions and valuable networking; all led by Forum MC Mark Heikkila of Peterson Sheet Metal.

Registration Open for AIM/R 54th Annual Conference

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:02:00 -0400

The annual conference will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, roundtables, and discussions on AI, succession planning, and industry trends.

Owners Didn’t Pay for FDD; Why Would They Pay for AI?

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Shift the industry mindset from "day one" delivery to long-term operational value to ensure AI becomes a practical tool for building performance rather than just another value-engineered buzzword.

Applied AI for Distributors 2026

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Distribution Strategy Group co-founder Ian Heller explains how the Applied AI for Distributors conference helps industry leaders move beyond pilot programs to achieve measurable gains in pricing, automation, and sales efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As artificial intelligence reshapes the professional landscape, Don McNeeley explores why balancing technological adoption with a renewed focus on the skilled trades is essential for future survival and career security.

New DEWALT Study Identifies Emerging Gap Between AI Training in Trade Schools and Industry Needs

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:31:00 -0400

The survey cites that while the majority of construction pros believe AI will be indispensable within five years, only 8% are currently using AI on the job.

EPA Launches Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:05:00 -0400

ServiceTitan Report Finds 74% of Residential Contractors See AI as Key to Efficiency

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:25:00 -0400

Early adopters are already seeing measurable results, including 48% reporting increased productivity and 45% reporting time savings.

AIIR Products Partners With Texas AirSystems to Expand AI-Powered HVAC Solutions

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:28:00 -0400

The collaboration pairs innovative HVAC platform with customer‑first distribution network to meet growing demand for future‑ready building solutions.

The AI Capability PHCP Distributors Are Missing

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Discover how AI is solving the "cross-referencing gap" in PHCP distribution, allowing sales teams to instantly match outside brands and turn complex plan-and-spec work into a high-margin revenue driver.

UpCodes Launches AI-Native Specifications Solution to Address Growing Compliance Complexity in U.S. Construction

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:15:00 -0400

New code-to-spec workflow connects building regulations directly to project specifications, helping teams surface risks earlier and reduce costly rework.

ACCA Partners With Hatch

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:14:00 -0400

ACCA has partnered with Hatch, an AI customer service representative platform for service businesses, as a Strategic Partner.

Instant Insight: How AI is Changing the Game for Contractors

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:21:00 -0400

In our latest Instant Insight, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sits down with Jimmy Thompson, senior sales manager, Podium, to break down how AI-powered tools are changing the way contractors connect with customers and grow their businesses.

Data Centers Are Expanding Fast, So Are Their Water Demands

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With $64 billion in projects already stalled by public concern and local resource strain, water stewardship has moved from a sustainability checkbox to a critical business requirement. Explore the emerging technologies and new G12 guidelines shaping the future of AI infrastructure.

Daikin Industries Selects Outerport to Make Unstructured Engineering Design Data AI-Ready

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:11:00 -0400

Outerport becomes the core drawing parsing and extraction platform to power Daikin's AI-driven engineering workflows.

Proton Attacks Point Solutions With First Industry Cloud for Distributors

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:50:00 -0400

Proton.ai has launched the first industry cloud platform purpose-built for distribution, offering a unified suite of AI-powered products that replaces the patchwork of disconnected tools most distributors rely on today.