1. The duct sheet already moved
What: Snappy and M&M make the round pipe, fittings, and takeoffs on most residential duct jobs. The Geary Pacific manufacturer sheet still lists both at up to 6%, effective Monday, Sept 21, 2026. That was yesterday.
So-what: The Sept 16 note was buy ahead. That window is closed. A quote still sitting on the August sheet is priced wrong as of Monday.
Now-what: Pull open duct quotes and reprice the pipe and fittings before you send them. Do not fill the warehouse with elbows you will not install in the next 30 to 60 days.
2. Motors move Oct 1. The percent is small, and it is not every counter.
What: Geary Pacific lists two increases for Thursday, Oct 1, 2026. Regal Rexnord: 2.5% on select branded motors, parts, and accessories. Western Enterprises: varies by product. The sheet does not give a percent, and it does not list an Oct 1 Heat Controller increase. The Johnstone Supply Muskegon public price page, checked the same day, does not list either Oct 1 line.
So-what: This is not a truckload event. It is the motors on the service truck, and only if your house passed the letter. A quote written this week for an October install is short if your counter moved. If your counter did not move, do not invent 2.5%. (1/2)
Now-what: This week, buy the motor SKUs you actually use, if your house is on the Geary letter. Ask the counter what Western Enterprises moved before you quote a job that installs after Oct 1. Do not guess a percent. Do not stock "varies."
3. Lorton is cutting install and service techs
What: United Air Temp filed a federal layoff notice with Virginia, dated Sept 10, 2026. Permanent separations at the Lorton site, 6900 Hill Park Drive. Some people work on site. Others work in the field and report to Lorton. Expected date Nov 10, 2026. No union. No bumping rights. The letter lists Technician, Installation 13; Technician, Installation II 2; Technician, Service I 7; Technician, Service II 5; Technician, Service III 5; Technician, Service IV 4; Apprentice 2; Apprentice, Installation 1. It also lists plumbers, dispatch, and office roles.
So-what: That is not a national hiring wave. It is Northern Virginia and the DMV. Those techs start looking before Nov 10. Wait until the week of the layoff and the ones you want are gone.
Now-what: If you run trucks in Northern Virginia, post the install and service reqs this week. Skip it if you are not in that market.
Sources
Until next week,
Thermal Brief