Mar 04 2025 11 mins 1
Welcome to the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, our host, Ryan Yelvington, will be jumping into the latest field service industry news that’s been happening in the first quarter of 2025.
Ryan will give you the latest rundown on the biggest key topics shaping the industry right now. From the NOSHA Act to new tariffs, we’ve got you covered.
Since we’ll be covering a wide variety of industries and topics, we’ll be providing the timestamps so you can jump to wherever you need.
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:
- [00:00] Intro
- [01:13] The NOSHA Act
- [02:31] Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
- [04:20] DHS H-2 Visa Lawsuit
- [05:37] HVACR Efficiency Postponements
- [06:27] Refrigerant Phase Out
- [09:06] New Tankless Water Heater Rule
- [10:52] Outro
General Field Services
[01:13] The NOSHA Act
On January 3, 2025, the NOSHA Act, a bill to abolish OSHA, was reintroduced to Congress. Regardless of whether or not it passes, this bill will likely challenge how OSHA standards are created—impacting service businesses like yours.
[02:31] New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Beginning on March 12, 2025, there will be a new 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum exports. However, the repercussions of this are already starting to be seen in the service industry—with distributors paying more due to an increased demand before the tariffs begin.
[04:20] New Lawsuit Over DHS H-2 Visa Rules
Allied industry groups (including FEWA, NALP, SEA, and others) have filed a joint lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) over a rule that governs H-2A and H-2B guest worker visa programs.
HVACR
[05:37] Postponing HVACR Efficiency Standards
As of February 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) postponed all future HVACR efficiency standards, which includes: central air conditioners, walk-in coolers and freezers, gas instantaneous water heaters, commercial refrigeration equipment, washers and dryers, general service lamps, and air compressors.
Note: Keep in mind, there are currently no finalized air conditioner efficiency standards to delay—meaning this doesn’t undo the standard that went into place 2 years ago.
[06:27] Refrigerant Phase Out
There’s been some buzz around the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dropping some eco-friendly bombshells on the HVAC/R industry. Brace yourselves for two major rules under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (or AIM) Act, designed to kick hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the curb and make our air a little fresher. Keep in mind, some of these rules might change with the change in the new administration.
HVAC and Plumbing
[09:06] New Rule on Tankless Water Heaters
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a new rule that could change how tankless water heater installations are done. This rule will ban non-condensing gas-fired tankless (instantaneous) water heaters starting in 2029. HVAC companies like yours need to understand this change to prepare for its impact. Though, keep in mind that this rule might see some changes with the new administration.
Show Notes—Links
Key resources to check out:
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Related: The Latest Hiring Trends and Insights in Field Services
The post Q1 2025 Field Services Industry News With Ryan Yelvington appeared first on Service Autopilot.
