2025 – A Look Back and Look Forward

2025
January 14, 2025
By Charlotte Perham, VP of Communications and Marketing

As we begin 2025, PHCC asked members about the top innovations that have shaped the industry since 2000. Unsurprisingly, many of the answers highlight advancements in technology – whether in products, processes, or pricing/buying systems. These innovations have driven significant improvements in business efficiency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was mentioned frequently, both as a current and future game-changer.

Looking ahead, PHCC members predict technology will continue to lead the way, particularly through tools that help contractors troubleshoot customer issues, train staff, and streamline business operations. Alternatives to traditional products – such as more efficient upgrades and connected devices – are also gaining attention. AI crops up as a hot topic for the future, as well.

Below is a closer look at the top innovations that have influenced the industry over the past 25 years … plus what contractors see as the next big thing. Special thanks to all who provided their top innovation picks in the Fall 2024 PHCC Member Pulse Survey!

BONUS: Be sure to read to the end of the article to learn how PHCC contractors are already using AI in their businesses … you may discover ideas that could work for you!

TOP INNOVATIONS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS

• Pro Press
Bob Macca, Macca Plumbing & Heating

• Press fitting technology and tankless water systems
Lance Ball, Aspen Mountain Plumbing

• Using iPhones/iPads in the field
Chris J. Johnson, Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating Inc.

• Flat rate prices
David LeRoy, Ready & Able Plumbing Heating and Air

• Better tool technology
David Moore, Hickory Mechanical

• AI
Lori Tschol, Eagle Pipe & Mechanical

• The implementation of modeling and prefabrication along with access to information is at an all-time high.
Adam Redlinger, Redlinger Bros. Plumbing and Heating Co.

• PEX
Ronald Valenta, Valenta Plumbing

• Tankless water heaters
FitzGerald & Sons Plumbing

• Smart technology, ground source heat pumps
Ken Smith, United Air Temp

• Advanced technology, online product information
Kevin Tindall, Tindall & Ranson Plumbing & Heating

Plus:

• Energy-efficient equipment
• Heat pumps
• Online buying with next-day delivery
• Modulating equipment for efficiency in both gas and electric equipment and controls
• Tankless water heaters
• BIM
• Transition to digital data/information/etc.
• Probably the increased use of packaged, condensing water heater packages, but the implementation of internet type of controls, etc. is fairly big as well.

PREDICTIONS OF MAJOR INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS IN THE COMING YEARS

• Wi-Fi diagnostic assistance for equipment
Lance Ball, Aspen Mountain Company

• Ease of trouble-shooting electronics
Chris J. Johnson, Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating Inc.

• Call-by-call coaching for field technicians
David LeRoy, Ready & Able Plumbing Heating and Air

• AI
David Moore, Hickory Mechanical

• Anything to help staffing
Lori Tschol, Eagle Pipe & Mechanical

• Automated estimating
Adam Redlinger, Redlinger Bros. Plumbing and Heating Co.

• Alternative water heating appliances
Ronald Valenta, Valenta Plumbing

• AI and estimating
FitzGerald & Sons Plumbing

And:

• Decarbonization and water usage
• Refrigerants
• Converting away from natural gas to electric
• Efficiency upgrades in equipment
• AI
• Wi-Fi connected equipment
• Use of AI in MEP BIM design and estimating
• AI will become much more prevalent in handling routine, mundane tasks and will allow companies to improve their office efficiency.

BONUS!

“How are you using AI in your business now?” Here’s what contractors said:

• For content writing for marketing purposes
Lance Ball, Aspen Mountain Company

• Some writing
Chris J. Johnson, Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating Inc.

• Marketing and after-hours answering service
David LeRoy, Ready & Able Plumbing Heating and Air

• I am starting today with AI for CSR, phone and after-hours, and Chatbot on the website.
Lori Tschol, Eagle Pipe & Mechanical

• Automating purchase orders and helping with inventory management along with forecasting labor
Adam Redlinger, Redlinger Bros. Plumbing and Heating Co.

Plus:

• Help writing reports, proposals etc.
• Previously used it for contract review but stopped due to inadequacy
• Just starting to use it for customer service issues
• Commenting on online reviews

Content in this article was taken from the Fall 2024 PHCC Member Pulse Survey, produced by PHCC’s Business Intelligence partner, HARDI. So we can better serve you, be sure to participate in the surveys so PHCC can get an idea of the challenges you face and the solutions you discover every day in your business!

For more insights, visit:
phccweb.org/business-intelligence

Share this article: